Vortex Crossflow Filtration System

Abstract

Systems and methods including filtration are disclosed. The filtration device includes a first opening, a second opening, and a vortex filter, the vortex filter including ribs. The ribs may be configured to generate vortex flow to keep filtered particles in suspension and provide a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. The filtration device can filter particles from a fluid by cross-flow filtration along a flow path across a filter media surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter. The filtration device can be effective in filtering more than 90% of the mass of microplastics by mass when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of either Example 1 or Example 2. The filtration device can be effective in filtering particles from a fluid at high flow velocities, such as flow velocities of more than 50 cm / s or flow velocities of more than 100 cm / s.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [1] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 318,043, filed March 9, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 328,011, filed April 6, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 370,043, filed August 1, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 378,445, filed October 5, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 383,389, filed November 11, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

[0002] [2] The embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for filtering fluids using a vortex filter. Some embodiments may include a filter system and method having a tapered spiral coil and a filter medium. Some embodiments of the tapered spiral coil may be configured to generate a vortex flow to keep solids being filtered in suspension while promoting flow of the solids along a flow path toward a collection area. [Background technology]

[0003] [3] Filtration is generally a process involving the separation of one substance from another. Mechanical filtration separates a substance, such as suspended solids or molecules, from another substance, such as a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas). Chemical filtration separates one substance from another by chemical means, such as chemical bonding or precipitation. Mechanical filtration of solids (e.g., particles) from a fluid can involve passing or otherwise interacting with a fluid containing the solids through a filter medium, such as a mesh or membrane, which collects the filtered solids while allowing the filtered fluid to pass through. In dead-end filtration, the flow of the fluid being filtered is approximately perpendicular to the filter medium, while in cross-flow filtration, the flow of the fluid being filtered is substantially parallel to the filter medium. Over time, the filter medium in both of these filtration methods tends to become clogged with filtered solids, reducing the effectiveness of the filter, increasing the pressure drop across the filter medium, and requiring more energy for filtration. Because the filtered solids block the flow of fluid, eventually filtration becomes less effective, especially in dead-end filtration.

[0004] [4] Vortical cross-flow filtration is a method that includes both dead-end and cross-flow filtration aspects, as described in Sanderson et al., “Fish mouths as engineering structures for vortical cross-step filtration,” Nature Communications (2016) and Brooks et al., “Physical modeling of vortical cross-step flow in the American paddlefish, Polyodon spathula,” PLOS One (2018). However, current vortical cross-flow filtration devices still face significant performance limitations, including residue buildup, lack of methods for cleaning filter media and devices, lack of methods for collecting residues, inability to effectively filter solids and fine solids at high flow rates or high flow velocities of fluid, and inability to consistently and reliably capture a wide range of particles, especially small particles. Thus, there remains a need for improved systems and methods that use vortical cross-flow filtration. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Sanderson et al., “Fish mouths as engineering structures for vertical cross-step filtration,” Nature Communications (2016) [Non-Patent Document 2] Brooks et al., “Physical modeling of vortical cross-step flow in the American paddlefish,Polyodon spathula,” PLOS One (2018) Summary of the Invention

[0006] [5] The embodiments of the present disclosure may include technical improvements to one or more technical problems in conventional filtration systems. Various embodiments described herein may provide systems and methods for improved, more efficient, or more effective filtration of materials, such as solids, from fluids. In some embodiments, the vortex filter provides improved vortex cross-flow filtration. In one or more of the following embodiments, the vortex filter described herein has a tapered spiral configuration. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a tapered configuration, such as a tapered spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered coil having both a spiral configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered spiral coil.

[0007] [6] According to one aspect of the disclosure, according to some embodiments, a filtration device may include a first opening and a second opening, and a vortex filter for receiving a fluid extending from the first opening toward the second opening, the vortex filter configured to generate a vortex in the received fluid entering the vortex filter through the first opening, the filtered fluid exiting a side of the vortex filter through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter between the first opening and the second opening, and the filtered particles substantially exiting the vortex filter at the second opening. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered spiral coil.

[0008] [7] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes at least one rib extending continuously from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the at least one rib forms a flow path configured to direct filtered particles suspended in the vortex flow along the flow path to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is substantially continuous from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is configured to not impede the flow of filtered material, including particles, along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the at least one rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the rib includes at least one ridge substantially adjacent to the filter media. According to some embodiments, the rib includes a plurality of ridges substantially adjacent to the filter media. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to maintain vortex flow in the fluid. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to facilitate movement of filtered material, such as particles, along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is substantially conical in shape. According to some embodiments, the filter media comprises a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

[0009] [8] According to some embodiments, the filtration apparatus further includes a collection unit disposed at the second opening, the collection unit configured to collect solids filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the filtration apparatus via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a dead-end filter including a collection unit filter media configured to capture material including solids filtered from the fluid, and a collection unit outlet configured to allow the fluid to flow through. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is a second stage filtration apparatus.

[0010] [9] According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 70% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 75% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 80% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 85% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 90% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 91% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 92% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 93% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 94% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 95% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 96% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 97% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) from the fluid in the collection unit.According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to collect at least 98% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid in the collection unit.

[0011]

[10] According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 70% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 75% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 80% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 85% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 90% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 91% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 92% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 93% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 94% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 95% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 96% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 97% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening.According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured such that at least 98% of the filtered particles (e.g., microplastics) exit the vortex filter at the second opening.

[0012]

[11] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 0.1 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 2.0 to 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 3.0 to 4.0, inclusive.

[0013]

[12] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured such that at least one rib has a rib width, at least one rib has a rib height, the tapered portion has a slot height between adjacent turns of the at least one rib, the vortex filter has a helix height, and the vortex filter has a helix pitch, the slot height, rib width, rib height, helix height, and helix pitch are configured to generate a rib overlap configured to generate a vortex flow along the particle flow path to guide particles to be filtered from the fluid along the rib toward the second opening.

[0014]

[13] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured to provide a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a variable pitch.

[0015]

[14] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid includes water, such as washing machine drain fluid, or a biological fluid, such as blood.

[0016]

[15] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a housing, and the filter media is incorporated into the housing.

[0017]

[16] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a housing configured to house the vortex filter, the filter media being clamped between the housing and the vortex filter.

[0018]

[17] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter media.

[0019]

[18] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes an enclosure including an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered fluid from the enclosure, and a particle collection member configured to collect particles filtered from the fluid and removable from the enclosure. According to some embodiments, the particle collection member is configured to be removed from the enclosure such that the fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection member is removed.

[0020]

[19] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a scraping mechanism configured to clean the vortex filter and the filter media.

[0021]

[20] According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter an exhaust fluid from a washing machine. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter microplastics from the exhaust fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter at least 75% of the microplastics from the exhaust fluid after the washing machine has completed 4 or more loads of laundry. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2, 99.3%, 99.4%, or 99.5% of the microplastics from the exhaust fluid after the washing machine has completed 4 or more loads of laundry.

[0022]

[21] According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least one cleaning duty cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least two cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least three cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 4.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least two, three, four, five, or six cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to provide a flow rate through the filtration device through at least four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to provide a flow rate through the filtration device through more than 10 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned.

[0023]

[22] According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gal / min or greater through the filtration device after 4 minutes of use to filter particles from a fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gal / min or greater through the filtration device after 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 minutes of use to filter particles from a fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 2.0 gal / min or greater through the filtration device after 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 minutes of use to filter particles from a fluid.

[0024]

[23] According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured such that the flow rate through the filtration device increases over time during a cleaning duty cycle.

[0025]

[24] According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least one cleaning duty cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least two cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least three cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least four, five, or six cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 40 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 30 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain a flow rate of 20 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to provide flow through the filtration device without flow impairment through at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to provide flow through the filtration device without flow impairment through more than 10 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned.

[0026]

[25] According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to maintain fluid flow through the filtration device without a pressure disturbance for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 cleaning duty cycles. According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured to provide flow through the filtration device without a pressure disturbance for more than 10 cleaning duty cycles without purging.

[0027]

[26] According to some embodiments, the filtration device can be configured such that the pressure rise on the inlet side of the filtration device is less than 3.4 psi through at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cleaning duty cycles without purging.

[0028]

[27] According to some embodiments, the filtration device may be configured such that the pressure rise on the inlet side of the filtration device decreases over time during a cleaning duty cycle.

[0029]

[28] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for filtering solids from a fluid, according to some embodiments, includes flowing the fluid through a filtering device including a vortex filter along the vortex filter from a first opening to a second opening, the vortex filter including at least one rib, generating vortex flows in the fluid along the at least one rib that flows in a particle flow path along the at least one rib from the first opening to the second opening, and filtering particles from the fluid by flowing the fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a tapered configuration, such as a tapered spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered coil having both a helical configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered spiral coil.

[0030]

[29] According to some embodiments, the particle flow path directs filtered particles along the ribs toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle flow path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle flow path is configured to not impede flow of particles along the particle flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the at least one rib spirals with a decreasing radius from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is substantially conical.

[0031]

[30] According to some embodiments, the filter media comprises a porous material configured to prevent solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

[0032]

[31] According to some embodiments, the method further includes collecting the filtered particles in a collection unit disposed at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow the filtered fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a dead-end filter including additional filter media configured to capture filtered solids from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a second stage filtration device.

[0033]

[32] According to some embodiments, the filtered material comprises biological material found in the aqueous fluid, solid material such as particles, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles comprise microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles comprise microfibers. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles comprise fine solids.

[0034]

[33] According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 96% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 97% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 98% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid.

[0035]

[34] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 0.1 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 2.0 to 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 3.0 to 4.0, inclusive.

[0036]

[35] According to some embodiments, filtering particles from a fluid by flowing the fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration region across the filter media.

[0037]

[36] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a variable pitch.

[0038]

[37] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises a washing machine drain fluid.

[0039]

[38] According to some embodiments, the filter media is fastened to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter to the filter media.

[0040]

[39] According to some embodiments, the method further includes housing the filtration device in an enclosure including an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered fluid from the enclosure, and collecting the filtered particles in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removed from the enclosure such that the fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0041]

[40] According to some embodiments, the method further includes cleaning the vortex filter and filter media using a scraping mechanism.

[0042]

[41] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 50 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0043]

[42] According to some embodiments, the solid or filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 80% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4.

[0044]

[43] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filter filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtration filter filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2.

[0045]

[44] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 80% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4.

[0046]

[45] According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least one cleaning duty cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least two cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 5.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least three cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device maintains a flow rate of 4.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least two, three, four, five, or six cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can provide a flow rate through the filtration device through at least four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is capable of providing flow through the filtration device through more than 10 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned.

[0047]

[46] According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after 4 minutes of use filtering particles from a fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 3.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 minutes of use filtering particles from a fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 2.0 gal / min or more through the filtration device after 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 minutes of use filtering particles from a fluid.

[0048]

[47] According to some embodiments, the filtration device can provide a flow rate through the filtration device that increases over time during a cleaning duty cycle.

[0049]

[48] ​​According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least one cleaning duty cycle without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least two cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least three cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 50 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least four, five, or six cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 40 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 30 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain a flow rate of 20 cm / s or more through the filtration device after at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can provide flow through the filtration device without flow impairment through at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can provide flow through the filtration device without flow impairment through more than 10 cleaning duty cycles without being cleaned.

[0050]

[49] According to some embodiments, the filtration device can maintain fluid flow through the filter filtration device through 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 cleaning duty cycles without a pressure disturbance. According to some embodiments, the filtration device can provide flow through the filter filtration device without a pressure disturbance through more than 10 cleaning duty cycles without being purged.

[0051]

[50] According to some embodiments, the filtration device can have a pressure rise on the inlet side of the filtration device of less than 3.4 psi through at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cleaning duty cycles without being purged.

[0052]

[51] According to some embodiments, the filtration device can have a pressure rise on the inlet side of the filtration device that decreases over time during a cleaning duty cycle.

[0053]

[52] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for filtering particles from a liquid, according to some embodiments, may include providing the liquid to a first opening of a filtering device including a vortex filter, generating a vortex flow in the vortex filter via ribs having a decreasing internal cross section through which the fluid flows, providing a flow passage along the ribs for directing particles suspended in the vortex flow toward a second opening of the filtering device, and filtering the filtered fluid through a filter medium adjacent the flow passage. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a tapered configuration, such as a tapered spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered coil having both a helical configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered spiral coil.

[0054]

[53] According to some embodiments, the flow path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is configured to not impede flow of particles along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a substantially conically shaped tapered coil. According to some embodiments, the filter medium includes a porous material configured to block solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0055]

[54] According to some embodiments, the method further includes collecting the filtered particles in a collection unit disposed at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow the filtered fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a dead-end filter including additional filter media configured to capture filtered solids from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a second stage filtration device.

[0056]

[55] According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microfibers. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include fine solids.

[0057]

[56] According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 70% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 75% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 80% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 85% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 90% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 91% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 92% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 93% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 94% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 95% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 96% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 97% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit collects at least 98% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid.

[0058]

[57] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 0.1 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 2.0 to 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 3.0 to 4.0, inclusive.

[0059]

[58] According to some embodiments, filtering particles from a fluid by flowing the fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration region across the filter media.

[0060]

[59] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a variable pitch.

[0061]

[60] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises a washing machine drain fluid.

[0062]

[61] According to some embodiments, the filter media is fastened to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter to the filter media.

[0063]

[62] According to some embodiments, the method further includes housing the filtration device in an enclosure including an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered fluid from the enclosure, and collecting the filtered particles in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removed from the enclosure such that the fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0064]

[63] According to some embodiments, the method further includes cleaning the vortex filter and filter media using a scraping mechanism.

[0065]

[64] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 50 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0066]

[65] According to some embodiments, the solid or filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 80% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filter filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filter filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4.

[0067]

[66] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filter filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtration filter filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2.

[0068]

[67] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 80% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, or 98% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4.

[0069]

[68] According to another aspect of the disclosure, according to some embodiments, a filtration device may include a vortex filter including a first opening, a second opening, a rib, and a cross-flow filtration region between the first opening and the second opening; and a tapered helical coil having an internal raker reduction ratio β / α in the range of 0.1 to 10, inclusive, wherein the vortex filter is configured to generate vortices in a fluid entering the vortex filter through the first opening such that the filtered fluid exits through the filter media of the cross-flow filtration region, and the vortex filter is configured such that the filtered particles exit the vortex filter substantially at the second opening.

[0070]

[69] According to some embodiments, the ribs extend continuously from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the ribs form a flow path configured to direct filtered particles suspended in the vortex flow along the flow path to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is substantially continuous from the first opening to the second opening. According to some embodiments, the flow path is configured to not impede the flow of particles along the flow path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the ribs spiral from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a substantially conical tapered coil. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter medium includes a porous material configured to block solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0071]

[70] According to some embodiments, the filtration apparatus further includes a collection unit disposed at the second opening, the collection unit configured to collect solids filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the filtration apparatus via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a dead-end filter, the dead-end filter including an additional filter media configured to capture solids filtered from the fluid and a collection unit outlet configured to allow the fluid to flow through. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is a second stage filtration apparatus.

[0072]

[71] According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 70% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 75% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 80% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 85% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 90% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 91% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 92% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 93% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 94% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 95% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 96% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 97% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is configured to collect at least 98% of the solids (e.g., microplastics) filtered from the fluid.

[0073]

[72] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 2.0 to 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 3.0 to 4.0, inclusive.

[0074]

[73] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured such that the rib has a rib width, the rib has a rib height, the vortex filter has a slot height between adjacent turns of the rib, the vortex filter has a helix height, and the vortex filter has a helix pitch, the slot height, rib width, rib height, helix height, and helix pitch are configured to create a rib overlap configured to generate a vortex flow to guide particles being filtered from the fluid towards the second opening.

[0075]

[74] According to some embodiments, the rib includes at least one ridge substantially adjacent to the filter media. According to some embodiments, the rib includes a plurality of ridges substantially adjacent to the filter media. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to maintain vortex flows in the fluid. According to some embodiments, the one or more ridges are configured to facilitate movement of filtered particles along the flow path toward the second opening.

[0076]

[75] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter is configured to provide a cross-flow filtration region across the filter media.

[0077]

[76] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a variable pitch.

[0078]

[77] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises a washing machine drain fluid.

[0079]

[78] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a housing, the filter media being incorporated into the housing. According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a housing configured to accommodate the vortex filter, the filter media being fastened between the housing and the vortex filter. According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter to the filter media.

[0080]

[79] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes an enclosure including an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered fluid from the enclosure, and a particle collection member configured to collect particles filtered from the fluid and removable from the enclosure. According to some embodiments, the particle collection member is configured to be removed from the enclosure such that the fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection member is removed.

[0081]

[80] According to some embodiments, the filtration device further includes a scraping mechanism configured to clean the vortex filter and the filter media.

[0082]

[81] According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter an exhaust fluid from a washing machine. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter microplastics from the exhaust fluid. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter at least 75% of the microplastics from the exhaust fluid after the washing machine has completed 4 or more loads of laundry. According to some embodiments, the filtration device is configured to filter at least 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% of the microplastics from the exhaust fluid after the washing machine has completed 4 or more loads of laundry.

[0083]

[82] According to another aspect of the disclosure, according to some embodiments, a method for filtering particles from a fluid may include providing a vortex filter including a first opening, a second opening, a rib, and a cross-flow filtration region between the first opening and the second opening; supplying a fluid including particles to be filtered from the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity of greater than 50 cm / sec; generating vortex flows in the fluid in the particle filtration path in a direction from the first opening to the second opening of the cross-flow filtration region along the rib; filtering particles from the fluid along the particle filtration path by flowing the fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter; and removing the filtered particles from the vortex filter at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a tapered configuration, such as a tapered spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a conical filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered coil having both a helical configuration and a conical shape. In some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a tapered spiral coil.

[0084]

[83] According to some embodiments, the filtration path guides the filtered particles along the ribs toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is configured to not impede the flow of particles along the particle filtration path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the ribs spiral from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a substantially conical tapered coil. According to some embodiments, the filter medium includes a porous material configured to block solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter medium.

[0085]

[84] According to some embodiments, the method further includes collecting the filtered particles in a collection unit disposed at the second opening. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow the filtered fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a dead-end filter including additional filter media configured to capture filtered solids from the fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a second stage filtration device.

[0086]

[85] According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include microfibers. According to some embodiments, the filtered particles include fine solids.

[0087]

[86] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 0.1 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 2.0 to 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 3.0 to 4.0, inclusive.

[0088]

[87] According to some embodiments, filtering particles from a fluid by flowing the fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of a circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration region across the filter media.

[0089]

[88] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a variable pitch.

[0090]

[89] According to some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. According to some embodiments, the fluid is a gas. According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises a washing machine drain fluid.

[0091]

[90] According to some embodiments, the filter media is fastened to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter to the filter media. According to some embodiments, the method further includes housing the filtration device in an enclosure including an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered fluid from the enclosure, and collecting the filtered particles in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removed from the enclosure such that the fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0092]

[91] According to some embodiments, the method further includes cleaning the vortex filter and filter media using a scraping mechanism.

[0093]

[92] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the first opening at a flow velocity greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0094]

[93] According to some embodiments, the solid or filtered particles include microplastics. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 80% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filter filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filter filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4.

[0095]

[94] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filter filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtration filter filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2.

[0096]

[95] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 80% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4.

[0097]

[96] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for filtering microplastics from a washing machine discharge fluid, according to some embodiments, may include providing the washing machine discharge fluid to a first opening of a vortex filter of a filtration device, the vortex filter having a tapered spiral coil including ribs, the ribs having an inner diameter that decreases between a first opening and a second opening of the vortex filter; generating vortex flows in the washing machine discharge fluid along the ribs along a particle filtration path in a direction from the first opening to the second opening; filtering microplastics from the washing machine discharge fluid along the particle filtration path by flowing the washing machine discharge fluid through a filter media that surrounds at least a portion of an outer periphery of the vortex filter; and removing filtered microplastics from the vortex filter at the second opening, the filtering of microplastics filtering greater than 80% of the mass of the microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1, Example 2, or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter may have a tapered configuration, such as a tapered spiral configuration. The vortex filter may include a cone filter. In some embodiments, the vortex filter comprises a tapered coil having both a helical configuration and a conical shape, hi some embodiments, the vortex filter comprises a tapered helical coil.

[0098]

[97] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filter filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1 or Example 4.

[0099]

[98] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filter filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2. According to some embodiments, the filtration filter filters greater than 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9% of the mass of microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns as measured using the method of Example 2.

[0100]

[99] According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 80% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 85% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 90% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 91% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4. According to some embodiments, the filtering filters greater than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% of the microplastics by count, as measured using the method of Example 4.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is substantially continuous between the first opening and the second opening. According to some embodiments, the particle filtration path is configured to not impede the flow of microplastics along the particle filtration path toward the second opening. According to some embodiments, the rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius. According to some embodiments, the first opening has a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a substantially conical tapered coil. According to some embodiments, the filter media includes a porous material configured to block solids suspended in the fluid from passing through the filter media.

[0102]

[0101] According to some embodiments, the method further includes collecting the filtered microplastics in a collection unit disposed in the second opening.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the second opening via a fastening mechanism. According to some embodiments, the collection unit is further configured to allow filtered washer discharge fluid to flow therethrough. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a dead-end filter including additional filter media configured to capture filtered solids from the washer discharge fluid. According to some embodiments, the collection unit includes a second stage filtration device.

[0104]

[0103] According to some embodiments, the filtered microplastics include microfibers.

[0105]

[0104] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 0.1 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 10.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 1.0 to 6.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 2.0 to 5.0, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 3.0 to 4.0, inclusive.

[0106]

[0105] According to some embodiments, filtering microplastics from the washing machine discharge fluid by flowing the washing machine discharge fluid through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter includes providing a cross-flow filtration region across the filter media.

[0107]

[0106] According to some embodiments, the vortex filter has a variable pitch.

[0108]

[0107] According to some embodiments, the filter media is fastened to the vortex filter by a housing. According to some embodiments, the vortex filter includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter to the filter media.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the method further includes housing the filtration device in an enclosure including an inlet opening configured to direct the washer discharge fluid to a first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct the filtered washer discharge fluid from the enclosure, and collecting the filtered microplastics in a particle collection unit. According to some embodiments, the particle collection unit is configured to be removed from the enclosure such that the washer discharge fluid remains in the enclosure when the particle collection unit is removed.

[0110]

[0109] According to some embodiments, the method further includes cleaning the vortex filter and filter media using a scraping mechanism.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the method further includes providing the washer drain fluid to the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further includes providing the washer drain fluid to the first opening at a flow rate greater than 70 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further includes providing the washer drain fluid to the first opening at a flow rate greater than 90 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further includes providing the washer drain fluid to the first opening at a flow rate greater than 120 cm / sec. According to some embodiments, the method further includes providing the washer drain fluid to the first opening at a flow rate greater than 140 cm / sec.

[0112]

[0111] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, the controller may include a processor and a memory device communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory device to determine parameters of the fluid flow through the filter and operate a scraping mechanism of the filter based on the parameters.

[0113]

[0112] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the subject matter which may be claimed.

[0114]

[0113] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0115] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary filtration device consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of an exemplary filtration device consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary tapered spiral coil, consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary tapered spiral coil, consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary tapered spiral coil, consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary tapered spiral coil, consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil, consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil, consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C]FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil, consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 5 is a partial cross-sectional inverted view of section 5-5 of FIG. 3. [Figure 5B] 2 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil. [Figure 5C] 2 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil. [Figure 5D] 2 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil. [Figure 5E] 2 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil. [Figure 5F] 2 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil. [Figure 6] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary rib of an exemplary filtration device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary housing of an exemplary filtration device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil and housing in an open configuration. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary method consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary in-use configuration of the method of FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary method consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary in-use configuration of the method of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 2 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 2 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered spiral coil. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary setup of a test method for measuring filtration efficiency. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates a second exemplary setup of a test method for measuring filtration efficiency. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary setup for a test method for measuring the duty cycle resistance of a filter. [Figure 21A] FIG. 1 is an exemplary isometric view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 21B] FIG. 1 is an exemplary isometric view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 21C] 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 21D] 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an exemplary filtration system consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 shows the results of a load cycle resistance test according to the test method described in Example 3. [Figure 22B] FIG. 1 shows flow rate results for the test method described in Example 3. [Figure 22C] FIG. 1 shows flow rate results for the test method described in Example 3. [Figure 22D]FIG. 1 shows flow rate results for the test method described in Example 3. [Figure 22E] FIG. 13 shows the pressure results of the test method described in Example 3. [Figure 22F] FIG. 13 shows the pressure results of the test method described in Example 3. [Figure 22G] FIG. 13 shows the pressure results of the test method described in Example 3. [Figure 23A] FIG. 1 shows a filter tested according to Example 3. [Figure 23B] FIG. 1 shows a filter tested according to Example 3. [Figure 23C] FIG. 1 shows a filter tested according to Example 3. [Figure 24A] FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of a filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by particle number) of washing machine effluent before filtration of a polyester-cotton material for the test method described in Example 4. [Figure 24B] FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of a filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by particle number) of washing machine wastewater after filtration of a polyester-cotton material for the test method described in Example 4. [Figure 24C] FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of the filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by weight) of washing machine wastewater before filtration of a polyester-cotton material for the test method described in Example 4. [Figure 24D] FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of the filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by weight) in washing machine wastewater after filtration of a polyester-cotton material for the test method described in Example 4. [Figure 25A] FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of the filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by particle number) of washing machine effluent before filtration of the flocked material for the test method described in Example 4. [Figure 25B]FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of the filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by particle number) of washing machine wastewater after filtration of the flocked material for the test method described in Example 4. [Figure 25C] FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of the filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by weight) of the washing machine wastewater before filtration of the flocked material for the test method described in Example 4. [Figure 25D] FIG. 1 shows the results of efficiency testing of one embodiment of the filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by weight) of washing machine wastewater after filtration of the flocked material for the test method described in Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0116]

[0140] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For convenience, the same reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The implementations described in the following description are exemplary embodiments and do not represent all implementations consistent with the present disclosure. Although several examples and features of the disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed descriptions are intended to be considered merely examples of systems, apparatus, and methods consistent with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0117]

[0141] Some embodiments can provide improvements to conventional filtration systems and methods, such as improved filtration performance, higher collection efficiency of suspended solids, easier ability to maintain the filter, improved cleanliness of the filter media, improved accessibility for user intervention (e.g., emptying the collection unit), improved packaging, reduced pressure drop across the filter media, high efficiency filtration of small particles (e.g., fine particles and microplastics), efficient filtration at high flow rates or flow velocities, and reduced tendency to clog, contaminate, foul, etc. For example, some embodiments can achieve a filter that can collect relatively large amounts of solids across a wide range of filtered solid sizes in the collection unit, while the filter media remains relatively clean after extended use. In some embodiments, the filter achieves high filtration efficiency at high flow rates and high flow velocities. In some embodiments, the filter can filter solids or microsolids from a fluid, such as air or water. In some embodiments, the filter can filter microplastics from water, such as wastewater, drinking water, or laundry water.

[0118]

[0142] The problem of particulate waste is growing. In particular, it is becoming increasingly recognized that micro solid waste, such as microplastics, is a significant problem and is becoming a health hazard. For example, "microplastics" are generally considered to be any synthetic particle with a regular or irregular shape with a size of less than 5 millimeters. Microplastics can come from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include textile wear (e.g., synthetic fibers in clothing that break down in washing machines and are discharged into the environment via laundry wastewater) and tire wear (e.g., tire wear from normal driving leaves rubber on the road surface where it is constantly worn down and washed into the environment). Secondary sources include larger plastic pieces (e.g., plastic bottles) breaking down into smaller pieces. Microplastics then enter the water supply for human consumption. Although some embodiments herein may be described with respect to microplastics to aid in illustration, the present disclosure is not limited to filtering microplastics, but may be used to filter other solids, particles, microsolids, microparticles, microfibers, particulate matter, or other filterable materials from fluids.

[0119]

[0143] Studies have shown that an average person may consume about 5 grams of microplastics per week, the equivalent weight of a plastic credit card. Approximately 35% of this plastic is thought to come from textile wear, which is thought to be the single largest point source of microplastics released into the environment. Human ingestion of microplastics is associated and linked to autism, early puberty, malignancies such as colon and breast cancer, and heart problems.

[0120]

[0144] In addition to the risks to human health, microplastics and other plastic waste also have environmental and climate impacts. Microplastics and other plastic particles can interfere with the natural biological pumping action of the world's oceans, one of the Earth's largest carbon sinks (capturing more than 40% of the carbon released since World War II). The continued accumulation of microplastics in the environment can interfere with this and other natural processes of the Earth, such as radiative forcing. For example, microplastics in the atmosphere can contribute to the greenhouse effect by reflecting or absorbing heat emitted by the Earth's surface rather than escaping it.

[0121]

[0145] Filtration of microplastics suspended in a flowing fluid (e.g., water or air) has been difficult due to the size of the particles and the flow rate of the fluid, especially at high flow rates or high flow velocities. Traditional filtration methods, such as dead-end and traditional cross-flow filter systems using filter media, are not effective at high flow rates, high flow rates, or high concentrations of microplastics. Furthermore, such filters are difficult to clean and cannot effectively select for smaller sized microplastics or other particles. In many applications, such as washing machines, the fluid discharge has a high flow rate and high flow rate to discharge a relatively large amount of fluid in a short period of time, resulting in both a high velocity and high pressure discharge. Dead-end filtration is not effective in such situations because the flow restriction caused by the filter media and the accumulation of filtered residue in the filter media can result in a pressure drop and back pressure across the filter media, resulting in low flow through the filter media and ultimately blockages, which can lead to catastrophic failure of the discharge line. Such failure can result in pump failure, inability to drain from the washing machine, and leakage from the washing machine. At high enough flow rates, the fine filter media can impede the filtration flow, causing backpressure through the system and blowing up hoses or pipes, leading to leaks, catastrophic hose or pipe failure, or damage to various components of the system. Traditional cross-flow filtration methods are also ineffective because they are relatively low efficiency, such that residues collect on the filter media, the filters are not easily cleaned, and much of the microplastic content still escapes. Traditional cross-flow filtration filters are also ineffective at high flow rates and high flow velocities, because they cannot efficiently filter particles from the fluid.

[0122]

[0146] Exemplary filters of the present disclosure can address such issues associated with filtering microplastics from a flowing fluid without excessive pressure drop and clogging of the filter, thus improving filtration performance. Exemplary filters are also more effective at filtering particles such as microplastics at high flow rates and high flow velocities, such as flow velocities of over 50 cm / sec. The filter may include a filtration region in which suspended solids (e.g., particles) are separated from the fluid, such as by cross-flow filtration between adjacent turns of the tapered coil. The following description refers to a vortex-filling device that includes a tapered coil and further has a helical configuration, which is an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present invention should not be limited to a helical or tapered helical configuration. However, with respect to this configuration, the flow of particles may include a vortex flow between adjacent turns of the tapered helical coil. The filter may be configured to direct the flow of particles along a flow path between adjacent turns of the tapered helical coil toward a collection region where the particles can be captured and disposed of.

[0123]

[0147] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary filtration device of the present disclosure having a tapered spiral coil that generally decreases in diameter along a fluid flow direction 126. As shown in FIG. 1, the filtration device 100 has a first opening 122, such as a fluid inlet, through which an inlet fluid flow 126 enters. The filtration device 100 includes a tapered spiral coil 112 that extends from the first opening 122 to a second opening 124. The second opening 124 may be opposite the first opening 122. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the second opening 124 may open into a residue collection unit 170. The tapered spiral coil 112 has ribs 118. When the fluid to be filtered passes from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124, the ribs 118 in the shape of the tapered spiral coil 112 create vortexes 136 in the fluid. The vortex flow 136 promotes the movement of particles to be filtered (e.g., filter residue) along the particle flow passage 138 (e.g., toward the second opening 124), and the flow 102 of the filtered fluid (e.g., filtrate) can exit through the filter media 142, such as by cross-flow filtration across the filter media 142. To facilitate understanding of FIG. 1, the filter media 142 is shown only in cross section, but is understood to surround the ribs 118. The filter media 142 may be directly integrated with the ribs 118, or may be attached or coupled to the ribs 118 as part of the housing 114 (not shown). An example of the housing 114 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 may include a groove 152 and a gasket rod 160, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6. The ribs 118 of the tapered spiral coil 112 may form a flow guide for the fluid flowing through the particle flow passage 138 and the filtration device 100. In some embodiments, the ribs 118 may include continuous flow guides (e.g., unbroken from beginning to end) along the fluid flow direction from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. In some embodiments, the particle flow passages 138 may be substantially unobstructed to facilitate the flow of filtered particles along the ribs 118 toward the second opening 124.In some embodiments, a residue collection unit 170 (e.g., for collecting filtered particles) may be provided at the second opening 124 of the tapered spiral coil 112. To allow the filtrate to be separated from the residue, such as by cross-flow filtration along the particle flow path 138, a filter medium 142 (e.g., a mesh or membrane) may be provided around the tapered spiral coil 112 (e.g., partially or completely surrounding the sides of the turns of the ribs 118), as shown in FIG. 1. The residue collection unit 170 includes its own filter medium 172, which may be the same as or different from the filter medium 142 and the housing 174.

[0124]

[0148] During operation, fluid and suspended particles enter the inlet of the tapered spiral coil, such as from the larger diameter end, as shown in FIG. 1. The fluid flow pushes the particles and fluid radially outward toward the side of the coil to generate vortex flows 136. As shown in FIG. 1, the filter media 142 surrounding the tapered spiral coil 112 prevents particles from exiting the filter. Meanwhile, the filtered fluid flow 102 exits through the filter media 142 between the turns of the ribs 118, such as by cross-flow filtration. The shape of the tapered spiral coil 112 moves particles along the coil with the vortex flows 136 along the particle flow path 138 toward the outlet along the ribs 118 as the fluid flows through the filter. Additionally, particles can accumulate in the residue collection unit 170, where they are contained in the filter media 172, and the filtered flow 102 also exits through the side of the residue collection unit 170 through the collection unit outlet 174. The collection unit outlet 174 may also be covered by the filter media 172.

[0125]

[0149] The vortex currents 136 generated by the tapered spiral coil 112 constantly mix particles into the fluid flow along particle path 138 or back to the center of the coil 112. These vortex currents also contribute to cross-flow filtration across the filter media 142. Because the vortex currents 136 keep particles in suspension rather than trapping them on the filter media 142 or collecting on the ribs 118, the formation of the vortex currents 136 and particle flow path 138 toward the second opening 124 prevents accumulation of filtered particles along the filter media 142, thereby maintaining filter efficiency over continued use. The filter media 142 can be configured to adequately filter particles of a particular size (e.g., using a particular pore size). The filter media 142 can also be configured based on desired collection parameters. For example, the filters described herein can be configured to capture about 90% or more of particulates by mass when post-filtered to 10 micrometers in size, as measured using the method of any of Example 1, Example 2, or Example 4.

[0126]

[0150] Additionally, the particle motion induced by the vortex flow 136 can cause the particles to collide with each other, resulting in agglomeration to produce larger particles that are easier to filter, while smaller particles can pass through the filter media. The agglomeration induced by the vortex flow can provide better efficiency within the filter, allowing the filter to capture particles even though the filter media may have a larger pore size than the particles being captured. Also, due to the vortex flow, the particles are pushed toward the second opening 124 of the filter while the tapered spiral coil 112 and the filter media 142 remain relatively clean. The particles can be collected in a collection unit 170 located at the second opening 124, which may be at the narrow end of the coil. In some embodiments, the collection unit 170 can act similarly to a dead-end filter, except that in some embodiments, the primary filtration is performed along the tapered spiral coil 112 and through the filter media 142, such as by cross-flow filtration, so that the fluid flow can be reduced in the collection unit 170 compared to a conventional dead-end filter. Also, since the filtrate fluid can exit through the filter media 142, the pressure drop across the filter media 142 and collection unit 170 can be reduced or eliminated. In some embodiments, the collection unit 170 may include a removable cup so that the particle residue (e.g., filter "cake") can be easily discarded from the filter. In some embodiments, the collection unit 170 can operate similarly to a cross-flow filter, or some other type of filter. In some embodiments, the collection unit includes a second stage of filtration that allows for further removal of particles. For example, rather than a dead-end filter, the second stage of filtration can provide further filtration or drainage of filtered particles using a continuous flow of another fluid so that the filter or collection unit does not have to be stopped and cleaned periodically.

[0127]

[0151] FIG. 2 also illustrates components of an exemplary filtration device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. A filtration device is illustrated having two parts: a tapered spiral coil 112 and a housing 114. In some embodiments, the housing 114 may include a filter media 142 (not shown). In some embodiments, there may be additional parts, including one or more parts shown in FIG. 1, such as a residue collection unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the tapered spiral coil 112 can be inserted into the housing 114 as indicated by arrow 116. For example, the tapered spiral coil 112 and the housing 114 can be sized and shaped such that the tapered spiral coil 112 can be placed inside the housing 114, which can include a filter media 142 (not shown), to facilitate assembly of the filtration device.

[0128]

[0152] 3A-3D show an exemplary tapered spiral coil 112 in more detail. The tapered spiral coil 112 can be a single (e.g., monolithic) or multi-piece component having helically oriented ribs 118. The tapered spiral coil 112 can be configured to generate a vortex flow along the ribs 118. The ribs 118 can be wound into a funnel-shaped vortex that rotates about a central axis 120 between adjacent turns of the ribs 118. In operation, fluid flow enters a first opening 122, as indicated by arrow 126. The first opening 122 can be formed at a first end of the tapered spiral coil 112. The first opening of the tapered spiral coil 112 can be the relatively wider of the two ends of the tapered spiral coil 112. The opening can refer to a cross-sectional flow area open for fluid flow through the tapered spiral coil 112 in the direction indicated by arrow 126. As the fluid passes through the tapered spiral coil 112, the filtrate fluid can exit the sides of the tapered spiral coil 112 (e.g., the spaces between the turns of the ribs 118). The fluid can also exit through the second opening 124. When surrounded by the housing 114 or other filter media 142, the tapered spiral coil 112 can form a flow guide that influences the fluid flowing through the filter. The tapered spiral coil 112 can create vortexes, eddies, etc., or any fluid flow mechanism that entrains, concentrates, or transports particles suspended therein along a spiral, looped, or wound path generally along the ribs 118 toward the second opening 124.

[0129]

[0153] The filtration region may be configured around the outside of the tapered spiral coil between the turns of the rib 118 between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124. The formation of a vortex flow can promote the movement of particles toward the second opening 124, such as along the rib 118, as described with reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the second opening 124 may open to a collection region or waste discharge stream where particles are collected, and the filtration region remains relatively free of particles.

[0130]

[0154] The tapered spiral coil 112 can form a continuous flow guide along the rib 118. For example, the rib 118 can include a relatively unbroken rib from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. In some embodiments, the rib 118 can form a functionally continuous flow guide between adjacent turns of the rib 118 such that any discontinuities along the flow path along the rib 118 do not significantly impede the flow of fluid or particles in the direction 138. The rib 118 can be uninterrupted. The rib 118 can be formed from a single continuous piece of material with no gaps, providing a flow path from the fluid inlet 122 to the narrow end 124 along the helical path of the tapered spiral flow guide 112. The flow path includes vortices 136 created by the fluid flow impinging on the rib 118 through concentrically smaller radial turns of the rib 118 about the axis 120 of the tapered spiral coil 112.

[0131]

[0155] The single rib 118 may have certain advantages in the design of the tapered helical coil 112. For example, the single rib 118 may provide better vortex generation because the helical shape of the rib may provide a sharper incidence angle because the rib faces may be more perpendicular to the input flow direction 126. Also, the reduction ratio β / α may contribute to vortex formation. In some embodiments, the single rib 118 may complete 2 to 6 turns between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124. For example, the rib may complete 2.0, 2.25, 2.33, 2.5, 2.66, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.33, 3.5, 3.66, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.33, 4.5, 4.66, 4.75, 5.0, 5.25, 5.33, 5.5, 5.66, 5.75, or 6.0 revolutions between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124. Providing more revolutions in combination with a raker reduction ratio, such as by a single rib, may facilitate improved vortex generation and filtering of the fluid and movement of filtered particles toward the second opening 124 for collection.

[0132]

[0156] While certain embodiments are shown having a single rib 118, the tapered spiral coil 112 may include multiple ribs 118. For example, the tapered spiral coil 112 may include two ribs 118, with each rib facing an opposing rib to form a tapered coil shape. The use of multiple ribs may be advantageous in some applications because it allows the tapered spiral coil 112 to maintain a smaller spacing between adjacent ribs while allowing a steeper pitch to the coil. In this way, in certain embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α (described below) or other parameters of the protrusion of the ribs into the coil can be more easily controlled. The use of multiple ribs also allows alternating ribs to have different dimensions, providing further control of the design of the tapered spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 may include two, three, four, or five ribs. In some embodiments, the multiple ribs may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the tapered spiral coil 112. In other embodiments, the multiple ribs may be non-uniformly spaced around the circumference of the tapered spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs can have the same or similar cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ribs may vary in cross-sectional shape, thereby enabling different rake reduction ratios β / α (described below) within the tapered spiral coil 112.

[0133]

[0157] In addition to or in lieu of the ribs 118, the tapered spiral coil 112 may include structures such as vanes, blades, plates, panels, slats, fins, strips, obstructions, or any solid members configured to induce perturbations in a fluid passing therethrough in some embodiments. The ribs 118 may act like baffles to induce perturbations in a fluid flowing thereover, which may generate or contribute to the formation of vortexes in the tapered spiral coil 112. The ribs 118 may extend helically from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124 with a decreasing radius. The radius may be measured from the axis 120 outward in a direction perpendicular to the axis 120. The shape of the ribs 118 may be helical, twisted, curved, corkscrew, contracting turn, logarithmic spiral, or Archimedean spiral. In some embodiments, the ribs may include a type of rib, such as a backward-pointing type rib.

[0134]

[0158] Various parameters of the tapered spiral coil 112 can be adjusted based on filtration parameters or performance. For example, the tapered spiral coil 112 can be sized and shaped by varying the number of turns of the ribs 118. Further parameters may include rib dimensions such as rib width, rib height, rib cross-sectional shape, rib angle (e.g., the inclination of the front or rear surface of the rib relative to the axis 120 (FIG. 15)), and helical dimensions such as helical pitch, helical height, helical inclination, helical eccentricity, helical angle (e.g., the degree of taper of the tapered spiral coil from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124). In some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 may be fabricated as a single component, such as by injection molding, machining, extrusion, and other manufacturing techniques. The tapered spiral coil 112 may also be assembled from components that are each separately manufactured.

[0135]

[0159] In some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 may include one or more pressure regulation mechanisms. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3B-3D, the tapered spiral coil 112, the pressure regulation mechanism includes a number of pressure regulation holes 115. The pressure regulation holes 115 extend from the inner diameter of the tapered spiral coil 112 to the outer diameter of the tapered spiral coil 112 and act to relieve back pressure within the coil over continuous use, for example, as collected particles impede the flow of filtered fluid through the filter. The pressure regulation holes 115 can relieve back pressure within the filtration system by diverting the pressure away from the inlet, for example, by diverting the back pressure radially outward at the first opening 122, thereby preserving the life of system components such as pumps or hoses that are susceptible to back pressure upstream of the filtration device. The embodiment of FIGS. 3B-3D includes five pressure regulation holes 115 spaced radially around the circumference of the first opening 122. In other embodiments, the number of pressure regulation holes 115 may vary. For example, the number of pressure adjustment holes 115 may vary based on the diameter of the holes. For example, each pressure adjustment hole may have a diameter in the range of 0.03 to 0.50 inches, inclusive, which may be, for example, 0.03 to 0.40 inches, 0.03 to 0.30 inches, 0.03 to 0.20 inches, 0.03 to 0.10 inches, 0.03 to 0.09 inches, 0.03 to 0.08 inches, 0.03 to 0.07 inches, 0.03 to 0.05 inches, 0.10 to 0.50 inches, 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.50 inches, 0.10 to 0.40 inches, 0.10 to 0.30 inches, 0.10 to 0.10 inches, 0.10 to 0.20 inches, 0.10 to 0.30 inches, 0.10 to 0.2 ... The diameter may range from 0.20 inches, 0.03-0.20 inches, 0.03-0.15 inches, 0.03-0.13 inches, 0.03-0.12 inches, 0.03-0.11 inches, 0.03-0.10 inches, 0.03-0.09 inches, 0.03-0.06 inches, 0.03-0.05 inches, 0.04-0.09 inches, 0.04-0.07 inches, 0.04-0.06 inches, 0.05-0.10 inches, 0.05-0.70 inches, 0.06-0.10 inches, 0.06-0.08 inches, or 0.08-0.10 inches. In one embodiment, the pressure adjustment hole 115 may have a diameter of 0.07 inches.In other embodiments, the pressure adjustment holes 115 can have a diameter of 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, 0.08 inches, or 0.09 inches. In other embodiments, the number of pressure adjustment holes 115 disposed in the tapered helical coil 112 can range from 1 to 50, such as 5 to 30, 5 to 15, 5 to 10, 3 to 7, 7 to 12, 10 to 20, or 10 to 15. In other embodiments, the number of pressure adjustment holes 115 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15.

[0136]

[0160] The pressure regulation hole or holes may include a pressure relief mechanism. In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism may include a pressure relief valve (not shown) configured to open when the pressure in the tapered spiral coil 112 reaches a predetermined threshold. The pressure relief valve may operate as a pressure check valve. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve may include an umbrella valve. The pressure relief valve may be configured to default to a closed position, thereby preventing fluid from exiting the interior of the tapered spiral coil 112 through the pressure relief hole 115. The pressure relief valve may be configured to open at a predetermined pressure threshold, thereby allowing fluid to exit the interior of the tapered spiral coil 112 through the pressure relief hole 115 and preventing back pressure upstream of the tapered spiral coil 112, thereby preventing damage to other system components, preventing flow or pressure disturbances, and extending the number of uses of the filtration device between purifications. For example, when used as a filtration device in a washing machine, the filtration device can filter discharge fluid from 2-20 loads, such as 5-15 loads, 5-10 loads, 10-20 loads, 15-20 loads, 3-10 loads, 3-7 loads, 4-10 loads, 4-8 loads, 5-8 loads, 7-12 loads, 9-13 loads, 11-13 loads, 13-17 loads, or 16-20 loads, before requiring purging. In some embodiments, the filtration device, including, for example, a pressure release mechanism, can filter discharge fluid from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 loads before requiring purging. Purging may be required, for example, because filtered particles collected from a load from the last purging have impeded flow throughput to a level sufficient to prevent adequate filtration.

[0137]

[0161] According to some embodiments, the pressure relief valve can open when the back pressure in the filtration system, such as a pressure relief valve, reaches a pressure in the range of 1-10 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve can open when the back pressure in the filtration system, such as a pressure relief valve, reaches a pressure in the range of 2-5 psi, 2-4 psi, 2-3 psi, 3-4 psi, 4-6 psi, 5-7 psi, 6-8 psi, or 7-9 psi. According to some embodiments, a pressure relief valve, such as a pressure relief valve, can open when the back pressure within the filtration system reaches a pressure of 2.5 psi, 2.6 psi, 2.7 psi, 2.8 psi, 2.9 psi, 3.0 psi, 3.1 psi, 3.2 psi, 3.3 psi, 3.4 psi, 3.5 psi, 3.6 psi, 3.7 psi, 3.8 psi, or 3.9 psi, 4.0 psi, 4.1 psi, 4.2 psi, 4.3 psi, 4.4 psi, 4.5 psi, 4.6 psi, 4.7 psi, 4.8 psi, 4.9 psi, or 5.0 psi.

[0138]

[0162] 4A-4C show examples of helical eccentricity, consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4A-4B are top cross-sectional views of an exemplary tapered helical coil 112, e.g., viewed from the first opening 122 in the direction of fluid flow parallel to arrow 126. As shown in FIG. 4A, the tapered helical coil 112 can have a generally circular cross-section along the axis 120, with the ribs 118 spiraling around the axis 120 at a radius that decreases along the axis 120 toward the second opening 124 with a rib overlap α for each turn. Thus, the size of the cross-section can be smaller closer to the second opening 124. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the tapered helical coil 112 can have other shapes at any given point along the axis 120. In some embodiments, rather than having a circular cross-section, the tapered helical coil 112 can be configured to have some degree of eccentricity. As shown in FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the tapered helical coil 112 can be eccentric and have a generally elliptical shape. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the tapered spiral coil 112 may deviate from circular in other ways, for example, octagonal, as shown in FIG. 4C. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the tapered spiral coil 112 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other geometric cross-section. The tapered spiral coil 112 may spiral clockwise or counterclockwise in various embodiments when viewed along the axis 120 from the first opening 122.

[0139]

[0163] FIG. 5A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the tapered spiral coil 112 along the cut plane 5-5 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5A, the ribs 118 can be configured to have a uniform rib width 127, which can refer to a dimension having a distance measured from the inner edge of the rib 118 to the outer edge of the rib 118. The ribs 118 can also have a uniform rib height 128, which can refer to a dimension measured from the lower surface of the rib 118 facing the first opening 122 to the upper opposite surface of the rib 118 (e.g., the surface facing the second opening 124). Although the ribs 118 are shown in FIG. 5A as having a generally rectangular cross-section, some embodiments may include non-rectangular cross-sections, such as, for example, square, trapezoidal, or other quadrilateral cross-sections such as diamond. In other embodiments, one or more surfaces of the cross-section of the ribs 118 may be curved to facilitate the formation of vortex flow or to act as a flow guide for particle flow passages 138 along the ribs 118 toward the second opening 124.

[0140]

[0164] The tapered spiral coil 112 may include a support structure 119. The support structure 119 may provide structural support for the ribs 118. The support structure 119 may include a material that fills the space between the ribs 118 and the support surface 121 of the first opening 122. The support structure 119 may provide additional area for attaching the ribs 118 to the support surface 121, and may maintain strength and alignment of the ribs 118, such as during manufacturing, or may prevent the coil portions of the tapered spiral coil 112 from becoming misaligned or separating from strain induced during operation. The support structure 119 may be provided at a predetermined angular length, for example, about 0.25 turns (90 degrees) about the axis 120, or any other amount sufficient to provide an appropriate amount of support or stability. In some embodiments, the angular span of the support structure 119 may range from about 1 degree to 165 degrees, such as, for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 105 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, 150 degrees, 270 degrees, 180 degrees, 195 degrees, 210 degrees, 225 degrees, 240 degrees, 255 degrees, or 270 degrees. In some embodiments, the support structure 119 may be solid. In some embodiments, the support structure 119 may include an opening that allows fluid flow through it. In addition to or instead of the support structure 119, a second support structure (not shown) may be provided at the second opening 124.

[0141]

[0165] As also shown in FIG. 5A, the tapered spiral coil 112 can have a helical height 130, which can refer to the dimension measured from a first end of the rib 118 located closest to the first opening 122 (e.g., the proximal end of the tapered spiral coil 112) to the other end of the rib 118 (e.g., the distal end of the tapered spiral coil 112, which may be at the second opening 124).

[0142]

[0166] The tapered helical coil 112 can have a first helical outer diameter 135, which can refer to the diameter of the outer circumference of the helical shape of the coil at the first opening 122. The tapered helical coil 112 can have a second helical outer diameter 132, which can refer to the diameter of the outer circumference of the helical shape of the coil at the second opening 124. The tapered helical coil 112 can also have a first helical inner diameter 133, which can refer to the diameter of the inner circumference of the helical shape of the coil at the first opening 122. The tapered helical coil 112 can also have a second helical inner diameter 131, which can refer to the diameter of the inner circumference of the helical shape of the coil at the second opening 124. The tapered helical coil 112 can have a generally conical shape such that the second helical inner diameter 131 is smaller than the first helical inner diameter 133. Similarly, the second helical outer diameter 132 can be smaller than the first helical outer diameter 135.

[0143]

[0167] While first outer spiral diameter 135 is preferably larger than second outer spiral diameter 132, it is contemplated that these diameters may be the same in some embodiments, provided that first inner spiral diameter 133 is larger than second inner spiral diameter 131. Such a configuration may be beneficial in particularly small diameter applications, such as hemofiltration, or where ribs 118 are sloped or otherwise shaped to further promote fluid flow along particle flow path 138 to prevent buildup of residue on ribs 118.

[0144]

[0168] The tapered helical coil 112 can have a helical pitch 134, which is the dimension measured parallel to the axis 120 between the midpoints of two adjacent turns of the rib 118, similar to the pitch of a screw thread. In some embodiments, the helical pitch 134 can be variable. In some embodiments, the helical pitch 134 can be uniform.

[0145]

[0169] A particular tapered spiral coil 112 can be described by a raker reduction ratio (β / α), determined by the ratio of the slot height (β) between the surfaces of adjacent turns of the rib 118 divided by the rib overlap (α) between the inner surfaces of adjacent turns of the rib 118 into the central opening of the tapered spiral coil 112. The slot height β is measured between adjacent surfaces of the rib 118 as shown in FIG. 5A. In embodiments in which the tapered spiral coil 112 includes multiple ribs 118, the slot height β is measured between the surfaces of adjacent ribs 118. The slot height β in FIG. 5A and FIG. 17 is shown for approximately parallel surfaces such that the measurements are taken between parallel surfaces. However, if the adjacent surfaces are non-parallel over the length of the slot, the slot height β is measured as the average slot height between adjacent surfaces for the period in which the surfaces overlap. The rib overlap α indicates the distance at which the turns of the rib 118 gradually narrow the protruding opening formed by the previous turn of the rib 118. 5A and 4A, the rib overlap α can be seen as a decrease in the inside diameter (measured from the axis 120 to the inner edge of the rib 118) of each turn of the rib 118. As with the slot height β, in embodiments in which the tapered spiral coil 112 includes multiple ribs 118, the rib overlap α is measured between the inner surfaces of adjacent ribs 118. Although the rib overlap α in FIG. 5A is shown for parallel inner surfaces, if adjacent inner surfaces are non-parallel, the rib overlap α is measured from the midpoint of adjacent inner edges.

[0146]

[0170] In some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 can have a rake reduction ratio β / α of about 3.0 to 4.0, taking into account manufacturing tolerances. In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α can be configured based on the scale of operation, including the type of fluid to be filtered, the type and size of particles to be filtered, the flow parameters of the fluid to be filtered, and whether the filtered particles are to be collected or passed to a continuous discharge stream. In some embodiments, the rake reduction ratio β / α can be less than 3.0 or greater than 4.0. In some embodiments, the tapered helical coil 112 may have a rake reduction ratio β / α in the range of about 0.1 to 10, e.g., 0.1 to 0.5, 0.25 to 0.75, about 0.5 to 1.0, about 0.75 to 1.25, about 1.0 to about 10.0, about 1.0 to 6.0, about 2.0 to 5.0, about 2.5 to 4.5, about 3.0 to 4.0, about 1.0 to 3.0, about 2.0 to 3.0, about 3.0 to 7.0, about 4.0 to 6.0, about 5.0 to 10, about 5.0 to 6.0, about 6.0 to 7.0, about 7.0 to 8.0, about 8.0 to 9.0, about 9.0 to 10, about 6.0 to 8.0, about 7.0 to 9.0, or about 6.5 to 8.5. All ranges recited in this disclosure are understood to include the endpoints of the range, whether recited by "to" or otherwise. Thus, "X to Y" is understood to include the values ​​X and Y, in addition to any values ​​therebetween.

[0147]

[0171] In some embodiments, for example, when filtering microplastics, a rake reduction ratio β / α value of 3.0 to 4.0 may be more effective at redirecting fluid within vortex flow 136 when the fluid impinges on rib 118 at a location having a gradually narrowing helical inner diameter (e.g., rib overlap α).

[0148]

[0172] In some embodiments, the raker reduction ratio β / α may be uniform along the length of the tapered spiral coil 112. In other embodiments, the raker reduction ratio β / α may vary along the length of the tapered spiral coil 112.

[0149]

[0173] The tapered spiral coil can also have an outer raker reduction ratio β / γ, where γ is the rib extension and indicates the outer counterpart to the rib overlap α for rotation of the outer adjacent surface of the rib 118, as shown in FIG. 5A. The value of the outer raker reduction ratio β / γ may be similar to the value described for the raker reduction ratio β / α above. In some embodiments, such as a uniform cross-section and uniform helical pitch of the ribs 118, the outer raker reduction ratio β / γ may be the same as the raker reduction ratio β / α. In other embodiments, the raker reduction ratio β / α may be different from the outer raker reduction ratio β / γ, such as when the ribs 118 have a non-uniform cross-section along the length of the tapered spiral coil 112 or when multiple ribs 118 have different characteristics for adjacent ribs.

[0150]

[0174] In some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 is believed to aid in particle filtration by redirecting the fluid flow as it enters the tapered spiral coil 112 in the direction of the arrow 126. The tapered spiral coil 112 redirects the fluid in fluid vortices 136 as the fluid impacts the surfaces at the progressively narrower turns of the ribs 118 creating vortices 136. As the fluid flow impacts the ribs 118, the redirected fluid in the vortices 136 helps to keep the particles in suspension and facilitate the overall movement of the particles towards the second opening 124. The vortices 136 can facilitate the movement of suspended particles generally in a spiral flow path along the ribs 118 as can be shown by the particle flow path 138. The vortices 136 help to sweep or retain suspended particles that may otherwise remain on or above the ribs 118 or the filter media 142, thereby returning the particles to a state of suspension and facilitating the collection or discharge of the particles at the second opening 124. Particles exiting the tapered spiral coil 112 at the second opening 124 may be collected for disposal while the filtered fluid exits the coil 112 through the filter media 142. The particles may include any solid or other object desired to be removed from the fluid. The size of the particles may depend on the filtration application, such as particulate filtration or marine waste cleanup. The particles may include suspended solids, particulates, biological cells, cell products, vesicles, exosomes, microplastics, solid waste, plastic bottles, plastic bags, or any other target object to be removed from the fluid.

[0151]

[0175] The rib shape may affect particle filtration performance and may be tailored to a particular application, such as a particular fluid, particle size, or available space or manufacturing constraints. It is believed that the use of a tapered spiral rib configuration may facilitate easier particle filtration by beneficially redirecting the fluid flow as it enters the tapered spiral coil 112 in the direction of arrow 126 into the vortex flow 136 to keep particles in suspension while allowing the filtrate fluid to pass through the filter media 142. The ribs 118 may be "backwards" in that they may have smaller and smaller internal diameters in the central fluid flow region in the plane perpendicular to the axis 120 as they complete each helical turn due to the gradual narrowing of the tapered spiral coil 112, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 4A, and 5A. The effective diameter of the central fluid flow region in the plane perpendicular to the axis 120 may correspondingly decrease with each turn of the ribs 118.

[0152]

[0176] The ribs 118 can have various dimensions and permutations according to various design parameters. For example, in some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 may only taper to the inner edge of the rib 118, as shown in FIG. 5B, and the outer surface of the tapered spiral coil 112 may be substantially cylindrical or, in some embodiments, may have a bifurcated shape. The spaces between adjacent turns of the rib 118 may allow the filtered fluid to exit through the side of the tapered spiral coil 112 via the filter media 142. Meanwhile, the vortex flow 136 generated by the rib 118 promotes the movement of the filtered particles to the second opening 124. In the example of FIG. 5B, the rib width 127 increases from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. In the example of FIG. 5B, the spiral outer diameter may remain constant, but the spiral inner diameter gradually decreases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124.

[0153]

[0177] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to configure the tapered spiral coil 112 to have a particular or varying value of the raker reduction ratio β / α that corresponds to a particular condition, e.g., flow rate, particle concentration, fluid viscosity, or other property of the fluid or particles. In some embodiments, because the fluid is free to exit through the sides of the tapered spiral coil 112 (e.g., through the spaces between the turns of the ribs 118), the flow rate in the direction of the arrow 126 may vary along the axis 120 toward the second opening 124. In particular, because the concentration of filtered particles per volume of fluid may increase toward the second opening 124 compared to the first opening 122, it may be advantageous to maintain or promote the flow rate using different values ​​of the raker reduction ratio β / α in different regions of the tapered spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, the raker reduction ratio β / α may range from a first ratio to a second ratio along the axis 120. The values ​​of the first ratio and second ratio, both in increasing and decreasing ratios between the first opening 122 and the second opening 124, may be various combinations of the rake reduction ratios β / α described above, although ratios in the ranges of between 1.0 and 6.0, between 2.0 and 5.0, between 2.5 and 4.5, and between 3.0 and 4.0 may be preferred in some applications.

[0154]

[0178] As shown in FIGS. 5C-5D, the tapered spiral coil 112 can have a variable rib width 127. The rib width 127 may increase or decrease along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124, as shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 5C-5D. FIG. 5C shows an example of a rib width 127 that increases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. This can result in a smaller cross-sectional taper on the outside of the tapered spiral coil 112 and a larger cross-sectional taper on the inside of the tapered spiral coil 112. Thus, the slot height β can remain constant, but the rib overlap α can increase along the axis 120, resulting in a change in the decreasing rake reduction ratio β / α from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124.

[0155]

[0179] FIG. 5D illustrates an example of a rib width 127 that decreases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. This results in a greater taper on the outside of the tapered spiral coil 112 and a smaller taper on the inside of the tapered spiral coil 112. The slot height β may remain constant, but the rib overlap α may decrease along the axis 120. Thus, varying values ​​of the raker reduction ratio β / α may result. The rib width 127 may be configured such that the rib overlap α ranges from a first value at the first opening 122 to a second value at the second opening 124. Also, the raker reduction ratio β / α may remain constant as the β / γ ratio decreases from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124.

[0156]

[0180] In some embodiments, the tapered spiral coil 112 can have a gradually increasing or decreasing helical pitch, as shown in Figures 5E-5F, respectively. That is, the helical pitch of the ribs 118 can be variable. In some embodiments, varying the helical pitch can result in a curved profile of the side of the tapered spiral coil 112 that contains the filter media 142.

[0157]

[0181] As shown in Figures 5E-5F, the tapered spiral coil 112 can have a varying helical pitch 134. The helical pitch 134 may increase or decrease along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. Figure 5E shows an example of a helical pitch 134 that increases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. Figure 5F shows an example of a helical pitch 134 that decreases along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. Varying the helical pitch 134 can present another degree of design flexibility to configure the tapered spiral coil 112 according to desired parameters. Additionally, the parameters of the tapered spiral coil 112 can be varied using a combination of methods that combine, for example, a variable rib width 127, as in Figures 5C-5D, and a variable helical pitch 134, as in Figures 5E-5F. Either or both of these variations may be combined with other variations, such as different cross-sectional profiles of the ribs 118, the use of multiple ribs 118, or other variations described herein.

[0158]

[0182] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a gasket rod 160 disposed in a groove 152 of a rib 118 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rib 118 may be provided with a groove 152 configured to receive a gasket rod 160 that seals the tapered spiral coil 112 against the filter media 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the tapered spiral coil may abut against the filter media 142 and be sealed with a gasket rod 160 (shown only in cross section) disposed in the groove 152. For ease of illustration of FIG. 1, the gasket rod 160 is shown only in cross section adjacent the filter media 142, but it is understood that the gasket rod 160 and filter media 142 surround the tapered spiral coil 112 as described herein. In some embodiments, the gasket rod 160 may be used to seal against the support member 140, described below, rather than against the filter media 142. The exterior surface of the rib 118 may include a recess in which the gasket rod 160 may be seated. In some configurations, it can be ensured that the gasket rod 160 fits tightly against the housing 114 when the tapered helical coil 112 is nested within the housing 114. The gasket rod 160 may be formed from a resilient or sealing material. For example, in some embodiments, the gasket rod 160 may be formed from a rubber or silicone-based material. The gasket rod 160 may be a single or multi-piece component.

[0159]

[0183] FIG. 17 illustrates a further embodiment of a tapered spiral coil 112 having ribs 118. The ribs 118 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 include ridges 156 that may abut the mesh 142 (not shown in FIG. 17). Although ridges 156 are shown on both the inlet-facing and outlet-facing sides of the ribs 118, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, only one ridge 156 may be present. The ridges 156 may facilitate maintaining vortex flow 136 along the particle flow path 138 and further prevent particle buildup by reducing sharp corners where particles may accumulate, thereby promoting the self-cleaning action of the filter device.

[0160]

[0184] As also shown in the embodiment of Figure 17, in some embodiments, the ribs 118 form a larger radius portion of the helical coil 112 than in Figure 5A. For example, in some embodiments, at the first opening 122 in Figure 17, the ribs 118 have a width that may be about 50% of the diameter of the tapered helical coil (e.g., the inner radius is about half the outer radius), while in other embodiments, such as Figure 5A, the ribs 118 may be about 30% of the radius of the tapered helical coil at the first opening 122 (e.g., the inner radius is about 2 / 3 the outer radius). Similarly, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the rib width at the second opening 124 may comprise more than 95% of the radius of the tapered spiral coil 112 (the rib width is more than 95% of the outer radius of the tapered spiral coil 112 at the second opening 124), while in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the rib width at the second opening 124 may comprise about 55% of the radius of the tapered spiral coil 112 (the rib width is about 55% of the outer radius of the tapered spiral coil 112 at the second opening 124). In some embodiments, when the width of the rib 118 comprises a larger percentage of the tapered spiral coil radius, it promotes vortex formation during the passage of the filtrate fluid through the mesh 142 (not shown) and promotes the movement of filtered particles along the particle path 138, thereby increasing filtration efficiency, reducing accumulation of filtered particles, and improving filter operation. In other embodiments, the width of the rib 118 at the first opening 122 may comprise about 33%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, or 60% of the radius of the tapered spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, the width of the rib 118 at the second opening 124 may comprise about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or substantially the entire radius of the tapered spiral coil 112. It will be appreciated that filtered particles and particle paths 138 can exit the tapered spiral coil 112 in the space adjacent to the rib 118 even when the rib 118 comprises a majority of the radius at the second opening 124, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-C, 16B-C, and 17.

[0161]

[0185] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a housing 114 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing 114 can surround the tapered spiral coil 112 during operation and can prevent particles from exiting the filter before being collected for disposal. The housing 114 can include a drop-in enclosure as shown in FIG. 2, or a hinged enclosure as shown in FIG. 8. A filter media 142 can be integrated into the housing 114 and, during use, can provide a filtration function by allowing filtered fluid to exit the filter laterally while containing particles within the housing. The tapered spiral path of the fluid passing through the tapered spiral coil 112 can tend to prevent accumulation of particles on the filter media 142. As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 114 can include one or more support members 140. In some embodiments, the support members 140 can be formed to have a shape similar to that of the ribs 118. The support members 140 can include a plurality of support ribs in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the support members 140 can be aligned with the ribs 118 to facilitate sealing of the filter media 142 to the ribs 118. The support members 140 can support the filter media 142 or the ribs 118.

[0162]

[0186] The filter media 142 may also be referred to as a filtration medium. The filter media 142 may include a physical filter, such as a porous membrane, mesh, sieve, strainer, or fibrous layer, or a chemical filter, such as charcoal, activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion exchange media, kinetically degraded flux, mixed media, elements configured to react with the particles being filtered, or a combination of physical and chemical media. In some embodiments, the filter media 142 may include a mesh screen. The mesh screen may be formed from stainless steel, nylon, or other fibrous or ductile materials. The filter media 142 may include a porous material configured to block solids suspended in the fluid being filtered from passing through the filter media 142. The filter media 142 surrounding the tapered spiral coil 112 may circumferentially surround the tapered spiral coil 112. The filter media 142 can cover the sides of the tapered spiral coil 112 to prevent particles from exiting the tapered spiral coil along a direction perpendicular to the axis 120, and the particles can be forced to travel along the axis 120 from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124.

[0163]

[0187] In some embodiments, the housing 114 can be integral with the filter media 142. For example, the filter media 142 can be embedded, integrated, glued, welded (such as plastically welded), or molded to the support member 140. In some embodiments, the filter media 142 and the housing 114 can be separable. The housing 114 can be a single or multi-piece component. In some embodiments, the filter media 142 can be a replaceable component of the housing 114.

[0164]

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the housing 114 may be formed with one or more connecting portions to facilitate placement on the tapered spiral coil 112. The housing 114 may include two halves joined together by a hinge connection 146 in some embodiments. The housing 114 may also include a fastening member 144. The two halves may be substantially the same, e.g., have a similar size and shape, with the hinge connection 146 and fastening member 144 disposed on approximately opposite sides of the housing 114. The support member 140 may be formed to correspond to the ribs 118 of the tapered spiral coil 112 to form a substantially continuous spiral around the housing 114. The hinge connection 146 may include a piano-type hinge, a living hinge, multiple hinges, or any other mechanical configuration for rotatably connecting parts to one another. The fastening member 144 may include any mating fastening element, such as, for example, a snap fastener, a clip, a hook, a slide-on bar, or any other mechanical configuration for securing parts to one another. In some embodiments, the hinge connection 146 may be replaced with a second fastening member 144. In some embodiments, the housing 114 may be a unitary piece without the fastening member 144 or hinge connection 146 to facilitate a "drop-in" or "slide-in" connection with the tapered helical coil 112.

[0165]

[0189] The housing 114 may include elements to hold the tapered spiral coil 112 in place during operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a protrusion 150 may be provided on the member forming the first opening 122. The protrusion 150 may include an external protruding member such as an annular lip or a pin. The protrusion 150 may abut a mating surface of the housing 114, facilitating a snap-fit ​​or screw-fit fastener, or may be forced and rotated, such as an L-shaped or U-shaped slot, to attach the tapered spiral coil to the housing 114. The connection of the protrusion 150 to the housing 114 may be configured to facilitate alignment of the support member 140 and the rib 118. In some embodiments, a gasket may be provided between the protrusion 150 and the mating surface of the housing 114 to provide a secure seal. The seal between the protrusion 150 and the housing 114 may be fluid-tight.

[0166]

[0190] As shown in FIG. 5A, the rib 118 may include a groove 152. The groove 152 may be formed as a recess in the outer surface of the rib 118. The groove 152 may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface 154 of the support member 140. The surface 154 may include a flat surface or may include a convex surface that protrudes toward the interior of the housing 114. In some embodiments, the surface 154 may include a concave surface that recedes from the interior of the housing 114. A gasket rod 160 may be placed within the groove 152 of the rib 118, as shown in FIG. 6, and the gasket rod 160 may mate with the surface 154 of the support member 140. When the housing 114 is closed around the tapered spiral coil 112, the support member 140 may engage the rib 118 to secure the tapered spiral coil 112 in position inside the housing 114.

[0167]

[0191] The support member 140 of the housing 114 may follow the helical shape of the ribs 118. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may have a shape complementary to the ribs 118. In some embodiments, the ribs 118 may only be tapered on their inside, and thus the complementary shape of the support member 140 may not be tapered. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may have the shape of a ring or a polygonal prism. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may form a cylindrical ring around the housing 114, or may be formed with a vertical rib between the first and second openings of the housing 114. Such a configuration may facilitate easier manufacturing of the housing 114, for example, without impeding the filtering capabilities of the tapered helical coil 112, since the particle flow passage 138 remains continuous or substantially continuous within the filter media 142. In some embodiments, the substantially continuous particle flow path 138 includes a particle path that may have barriers or obstructions, such as structural supports, but that does not impede the formation of vortex flows 136 or the flow of particles along the particle flow path 138. In some embodiments, the substantially continuous particle flow path 138 may be provided substantially along the ribs 118 of the tapered spiral coil 112, but may not begin at the first opening 122. In some embodiments, the housing 114 may be integrated into the tapered spiral coil 112 as a unitary structure rather than a separate component.

[0168]

[0192] As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 114 may include a flow connection member 148. The flow connection member 148 may include a fastening mechanism, such as a threaded connection. The flow connection member 148 may include female or male threads and may be sized and shaped to mate with a complementary element on a component that supplies fluid to the first opening 122 of the tapered spiral coil 112. The flow connection member 148 may be provided at or near the widest portion of the housing 114. Also, a particle collection connection member 158 may be provided at an end of the housing 114 opposite the flow connection member 148. The particle collection connection member 158 may include a fastening mechanism, such as male threads 159, provided at or near the narrowest portion of the housing 114. The fastening mechanism may also include a press fit, snap, bolt, hose clamp, quick connect connection, or the like. The particle collection connection member 158 may be sized and shaped to mate with a complementary element on a collection unit, such as a residue collection unit 170. In other embodiments, the particle collection connection 158 may be configured to mate with an exhaust stream, such as a hose or pipe.

[0169]

[0193] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a cross section of an example of a filtration device 100 in which one-half of the housing 114 is open about a hinge connection 146. In some embodiments, the filter media 142 may be provided between the housing 114 and the tapered spiral coil 112. The tapered spiral coil 112 may be nested within the housing 114 such that the surface 154 of the support member 140 engages the rib 118. In some embodiments, the surface 154 may include a protruding surface that contacts the rib 118 directly or via a gasket rod 160 or the filter media 142. In some embodiments, the surface 154 may include a flat or concave surface that may mate with the gasket rod 160 of the rib 118. The tapered spiral coil 112 and the housing 114 may be configured to be in contact with the housing 114 when the tapered spiral coil 112 is coupled together. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may be aligned with the rib 118. In some embodiments, the support members 140 may be offset from the ribs 118 or may have a different profile than the ribs 118 .

[0170]

[0194] An exemplary filtration system described herein provides an exemplary method for filtering particles from a liquid. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a liquid to be filtered at a first opening of a filtration device including a tapered spiral coil, generating vortex flows in the tapered spiral coil via ribs having a decreasing internal cross section through which the fluid flows, providing a flow path along the rib for directing particles suspended in the vortex flows toward a second opening of the filtration device, and filtering the filtered fluid through a filter medium adjacent the flow path. Filtration may be by cross-flow filtration across the filter medium caused by the vortex flows and particle flow paths along the rib. The flow paths may be between adjacent turns of the rib. In some embodiments, the flow paths are substantially continuous between the first and second openings. In some embodiments, the first opening is wider than the second opening. In some embodiments, the flow paths are configured to not impede the flow of particles along the flow paths toward the second opening.

[0171]

[0195] It is also contemplated that the filter systems described in the present disclosure may be provided in series such that the second opening 124 of the first tapered spiral coil may be discharged into the first opening 122 of the second tapered spiral coil. In this manner, it may be possible to configure a staged filtration system. Additionally or alternatively, a staged filtration system may be provided in which the filtrate fluid stream 102 from the first tapered spiral coil is fed into the first opening 122 of the second tapered spiral coil. Such staging may allow for filtration of progressively finer particle sizes and improve overall filtration efficiency. For example, larger particles may be filtered and collected in the first tapered spiral coil, while finer particles may be filtered and collected in the second tapered spiral coil. When staged filtration is implemented, the tapered spiral coils may have different geometries to facilitate proper filtration at each stage.

[0172]

[0196] FIG. 9A shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary system 200 for filtering a fluid. FIG. 9B shows an exploded elevation view of the system 200. Although described in this example with respect to use in a washing machine, the system 200 can be used in other applications such as blood filtration, faucet or dispenser filtration, mass collection such as wastewater treatment, and other applications in which suspended solids are filtered from a fluid. As shown in FIG. 9A, the system 200 includes a filtration device 100 joined at a first end to an inlet manifold 210. The inlet manifold 210 includes an inlet opening 214 and may include a pressure relief valve 224. In some embodiments, the inlet opening 214 may include an external connection, such as a cam-lock quick release attachment mechanism to a washing machine component (e.g., a washing machine drain hose). If the pressure is too high, the pressure relief valve 224 can allow the fluid to bypass the filter. The inlet manifold 210 directs a fluid, such as waste water from the washing machine, into the filtration device 100, such as via a path 201 shown in FIG. 10A.

[0173]

[0197] The system 200 may include an enclosure member 212 that may be joined to a manifold cover 216. The manifold cover 216 includes an outlet opening 218 that may include a cam lock quick release attachment mechanism to a drain line. The enclosure member 212 may be provided with a fastening mechanism 220, such as male threads, to couple the enclosure member 212 with the manifold cover 216. When joined, the inlet opening 214 may extend through an opening 222 in the manifold cover 216, and the enclosure member 212 and the manifold cover 216 may form a fluid-tight enclosure in which the filtration device 100 is enclosed. In some embodiments, the enclosure member 212 may function as a particle collection member. In other embodiments, the enclosure member 212 may enclose a collection unit, such as the collection unit 170, whereby the enclosure member 212 may be removed to facilitate access to particles collected either in the enclosure member 212 or in the collection unit 170.

[0174]

[0198] FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 200 assembled to surround a filtration device 100. FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 200 having a filtration device 100 including a residue collection unit 170. FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 200 in which an enclosure member 212 includes a filter media 213. The filter media 213 can further prevent solids exiting the second opening 124 from reaching the outlet opening 218. To facilitate cleaning, the enclosure member 212 may include a separable component at or below the screen 213 to allow an operator to dispose of solids filtered from the enclosure member 212.

[0175]

[0199] In some embodiments, the enclosure member 212, if mesh 213 is included, may include a removable cup-like member, preferably at or below mesh 213, to collect and discard particles removed during filtration. In some embodiments, the enclosure member 212 may be joined to the manifold cover 216 by mating threads, a snap connection, a cam lock fit, a press fit, an interference fit, a press fit and twist fit, or any other fastening mechanism.

[0176]

[0200] With reference to FIG. 10A, an exemplary mode of operation of the system 200 may include flowing a fluid through the system 200. During operation, fluid from a fluid source, such as outlet water from a washing machine, may enter the inlet opening 214. The fluid may include particles to be filtered from the fluid, such as microplastic particles suspended therein, and the fluid may be directed in a hose or pipe connected to the inlet opening 214. The fluid flows into the interior of the filtration device 100 along a path 201, and while the fluid, such as water, may flow freely through the system 200, the particles to be filtered, such as microplastic particles, may remain suspended until they impinge on an obstacle, such as the tapered spiral coil 112 or the filter media 142. The vortex flow 136 created by the tapered spiral coil 112 may cause the particles to be swept by the moving fluid along a path 138 to the second opening 124 of the tapered spiral coil 112 and out of the path 203 of the filtration device 100. The particles may be captured in the containment member 212, such as by settling. Meanwhile, clean filtrate fluid exits filtration device 100 via path 102 and flows along path 205 to outlet opening 218. Outlet opening 218 may be connected to a hose or pipe that directs the particle-free fluid to a drainage stream, such as a sewer.

[0177]

[0201] FIG. 10B is similar to FIG. 10A, except that the filtered particles are captured in collection unit 170, which is believed to better collect the filtered particles than relying on particle settling as in FIG. 10A.

[0178]

[0202] FIG. 10C is similar to FIG. 10A, except that the filtered particles are contained at the bottom of the enclosure 212 by filter media 213, which is believed to better collect the filtered particles than relying on settling of the particles as in FIG. 10A.

[0179]

[0203] Although the system shown in Figures 10A-10C shows the filtration device 100 perpendicular to the axis 120 with the first opening 122 at the "top" of the system 200 and the second opening 124 at the "bottom" of the system 200, the methods and systems described herein can be used in any orientation. For example, if the filtration device 100 is oriented such that the axis 120 can be horizontal, diagonally upward or downward, or vertical with the second opening 124 at the "top" of the system 200 and the first opening 122 at the "bottom" of the system 200. Similarly, although Figures 10A-10C show the outlet opening 218 closer to the first opening 122 than the second opening 124, in some embodiments the outlet opening 218 can be at or near the second opening 124, which can be advantageous, for example, when the filtration device 100 includes a collection unit 170. Similarly, although the inlet opening 214 and the outlet opening are shown at a 90 degree angle to the axis 120 of the filtration device 100, it is contemplated that the inlet opening 214 may be disposed at any angle relative to the axis 120 as may be determined by the particular application and use.

[0180]

[0204] 16A-16C show another embodiment of a system 600 in which the inlet opening 214 is near the first opening 122 and the outlet opening is near the second opening 124, respectively. Such an orientation may be advantageous in some circumstances because the filtrate does not need to pass through the manifold cover 216 again as in FIGS. 10A-10C (the filter media 142 is omitted in FIGS. 16B-16C). Although the inlet opening 214 and the outlet opening 218 are shown perpendicular to the filtration device 100, it is contemplated that the inlet opening 214 and the outlet opening may be aligned with the inlet flow direction 126 of the filtration device 100 or at any other angle, such as 45 degrees, 30 degrees, or 60 degrees, relative to the inlet flow direction 126.

[0181]

[0205] 21A-21D show exemplary isometric and cross-sectional views of another exemplary filtration system including a filtration device, such as a filtration device similar to filtration device 100, consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 21A-21D show a system 2100 in which an inlet opening 214 is near a first opening 122 of the filtration device at a wider end of the tapered spiral coil 112. A second opening 124 of the filtration device, at a narrower end of the tapered spiral coil 112, opens into a collection unit 2102, which may be similar to the retentate collection unit 170. The collection unit 2102 is shown as a cylindrical collection unit in the embodiment of FIGS. 21A-21D. The collection unit 2102 may have other shapes in other embodiments. As discussed above, the tapered spiral coil 112 and the collection unit 2102 may be surrounded by filter media 142 and 172, respectively (not shown for simplicity), such as, for example, a mesh filter media. The filtration device, including the tapered spiral coil 112 and the collection unit 2102, is shown enclosed in a housing 2104. The housing 2104 includes an inlet opening 214 and an outlet opening 218. In some embodiments, the housing 2104 may include a window 2106 that allows viewing of at least a portion of the filtration device, such as the tapered spiral coil 112 or the collection unit 2102, through the housing 2104. The tapered spiral coil 112 may be coupled to the housing 2104, such as by threads 2107, which may facilitate insertion, removal, or replacement of the tapered spiral coil 112, such as for cleaning or other maintenance. In some embodiments, other coupling mechanisms may be used to couple the tapered spiral coil 112 to the housing 2104, such as an annular lip, a pin, a snap-in or twist-in fastener, or a press-fit or input slot, such as an L-shaped or U-shaped slot.

[0182]

[0206] The housing 2104 includes a sealing portion 2108 and a closing mechanism 2110 operably connected to the sealing portion 2108. The closing mechanism 2110 is configured to open and close the sealing portion 2108. The configuration of the sealing portion 2108 may be configured to provide a watertight seal to the interior of the housing 2104 and can facilitate access to the tapered spiral coil 112 and the collection unit 2102, such as for cleaning, repair, replacement or maintenance of the tapered spiral coil 112 or the collection unit 2102, or for cleaning the interior of the housing 2104. In FIG. 21A, the sealing portion 2108 and the closing mechanism 2110 are shown in a fully closed position, forming a watertight seal at the opening 2112 of the housing 2104 (shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C). In FIGS. 21B and 21C, the sealing portion 2108 and the closing mechanism 2110 are shown in an open position to facilitate access to the interior of the housing 2104, such as to access the collection unit 2102 or the tapered helical coil 112. FIG. 21D shows the sealing portion 2108 and the closing mechanism 2110 in a closed position, but not fully closed. In FIGS. 21A-21D, the exemplary closing mechanism 2110 is shown as a pull-down handle around the outside of the sealing portion 2108. The closing mechanism 2110 may, in some embodiments, include a handle or lever on the side of the housing 2104, be integrated into the sealing portion 2108 as a latch, snap closure, or other closure type. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism may include a threaded closure, an annular lip, a pin, a snap-in or twist-in fastener, or a press-fit or rotating slot, such as an L-shaped or U-shaped slot.

[0183]

[0207] The sealing mechanism 2116, in some embodiments, can provide additional pressure to the sealing portion 2108 when the closure mechanism 2110 is fully closed, as shown in Figure 21A, compared to Figure 21D, where the sealing portion 2108 is closed but the closure mechanism 2110 is not yet fully closed. One or more of the closure mechanism 2110, the sealing portion 2108, or the sealing mechanism 2116 may also include a locking mechanism (not shown) to prevent the sealing portion 2108 from accidentally opening during operation.

[0184]

[0208] In some embodiments, the sealing portion 2108 includes a lower surface 2114 that forms on the cylindrical surface of the collecting unit 2102 when the sealing portion 2108 is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 21A and 21D. In such embodiments, the filtered liquid exits the collecting unit 2102 through a filter media (not shown) on the periphery of the collecting unit 2102. In other embodiments, the lower surface 2114 of the sealing portion 2108 may not form a cylindrical surface of the collecting unit 2102, such that there is a separation between the collecting unit 2102 and the lower surface 2114. In such embodiments, the surface of the collecting unit 2102 closest to the lower surface 2114 may include a filter media or may include a solid surface.

[0185]

[0209] During operation, the inlet fluid flow 126 of the fluid to be filtered enters the system 2100 at the inlet 214. The fluid is filtered by the tapered spiral coil 112 and the collection unit 2102 as described above. Filtered liquid 102 passing through the filter media 142 (not shown) of the tapered spiral coil 112 or the filter media 172 (not shown) of the collection unit 2102 exits the housing 2104 at the outlet 218. The operation of the tapered spiral coil 112 facilitates the flow of filtered particles to the collection unit 2102, so that the filtered particles are generally collected in the collection unit 2102.

[0186]

[0210] Although FIG. 21D shows the closure mechanism 2110 in a closed position, it will be understood that typically during operation the closure mechanism 2110 is fully closed.

[0187]

[0211] In some embodiments, when the exemplary system 2100 is connected to a source of liquid to be filtered, such as a washing machine drain line, the sealing portion 2108 may be oriented vertically above the narrow end of the tapered spiral coil 112. This configuration may provide certain advantages not known in the prior art. For example, when the sealing portion 2108 is in an open position to facilitate access to the collection unit 2102 or the tapered spiral coil 112, any remaining fluid in the system 2100 will not leak because the opening 2112 is above any remaining liquid. Thus, such a configuration provides for maintenance and cleaning even when liquid is present in the system 2100. The ease of access provided by the sealing portion 2108 and the opening 2112 also allows the tapered spiral coil 112 and collection unit 2102 to operate as a reusable filtration device, such as for filtering microplastics from a washing machine drain, as the filtration device can be easily accessed to clean filtered particles from the device and closed to provide filtration in subsequent operations.

[0188]

[0212] To facilitate cleaning, replacement, or maintenance of the collecting unit 2102, the collecting unit 2102 may be removably connected to the tapered spiral coil 112 in some embodiments. When the sealing portion 2108 is in the open position, a user can separate the collecting unit 2102 from the tapered spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, such that the lower surface 2114 of the sealing portion 2108 forms a face of the collecting unit 2102, opening the sealing portion 2108 allows direct access to cleaning and maintenance of the collecting unit 2102 without removing it. Thus, in some embodiments, the collecting unit 2102 may be integrally connected to or formed by the tapered spiral coil 112. In some embodiments, to facilitate cleaning, replacement, or maintenance of the tapered spiral coil 112, the tapered spiral coil 112 may be removably connected to the housing 2104 and may be separated or removed when the sealing portion 2108 is in the open position. The window 2106 can further facilitate reuse by allowing a user to determine whether to clean the tapered spiral coil 112. During operation, the collection unit 2102 can be cleaned more frequently than the tapered spiral coil 112 because, as described above, the configuration of the tapered spiral coil 112 promotes the flow of filtered particles toward and to the collection unit 2102 (e.g., particle collection unit 170) such that the filter mesh of the tapered spiral coil 112 remains relatively clean and accumulates filtered particles more slowly over time than the collection unit 2102.

[0189]

[0213] The filter devices, systems, and methods described herein are particularly useful for filtering particles from fluids having high flow rates or high flow velocities. For example, a high flow rate may be a flow rate at the first opening 122 that is greater than about 50 cm / sec. Prior art filters are unable to efficiently filter particles, especially small particles or fine solids, at such high flow rates and rates because they generate back pressure, turbulence leading to backflow, or clogging that can lead to filter damage or failure. The filter devices, systems, and methods described herein overcome these shortcomings by promoting the formation of vortex flows 136 along the particle path 138, promoting cross-filtration across the filter media 142 while allowing filtered particles to exit through the second opening 124. The described filter devices are particularly useful for filtering particles from fluids having high flow rates or high flow velocities, such as in a washing machine discharge, at a flow rate of 600 cm. 3 / sec or 950cm 3 This can be done at high flow rates and high flow rates that can have flow rates of greater than 200 cm / sec and flow velocities of greater than 90 cm / sec or 140 cm / sec. The filter devices, systems, and methods provide efficient filtration operation with reduced particle build-up, thereby allowing sustained or continuous use at high flow velocities, such as greater than 50 cm / sec, 60 cm / sec, 70 cm / sec, 80 cm / sec, 90 cm / sec, 100 cm / sec, 110 cm / sec, 120 cm / sec, 130 cm / sec, 140 cm / sec, 150 cm / sec, 160 cm / sec, 170 cm / sec, or 180 cm / sec, thereby allowing use in high flow applications without the disadvantages of other filters. Similarly, the filters, systems, and methods can provide efficient filtration operation with reduced particle build-up, thereby allowing sustained or continuous use at high flow velocities, such as greater than 200 cm / sec, 60 cm / sec, 70 cm / sec, 80 cm / sec, 90 cm / sec, 100 cm / sec, 110 cm / sec, 120 cm / sec, 130 cm / sec, 140 cm / sec, 150 cm / sec, 160 cm / sec, 170 cm / sec, or 180 cm / sec, thereby allowing use in high flow applications without the disadvantages of other filters. 3 / second, 250cm 3 / second, 300cm 3 / second, 350cm 3 / second, 400cm 3 / second, 450cm 3 / second, 500cm 3 / second, 550cm 3 / second, 600cm 3 / second, 650cm 3 / sec or 700cm 3 / second, 750cm 3 / second, 800cm 3 / second, 850cm 3 / second, 900cm 3 / second, 950cm 3 / second, 1000cm 3 / second, 1050cm 3 / second, 1100cm 3 / second, 1150cm 3 / sec or 1200cm 3 The filter devices, systems, and methods described herein can provide efficient filtration operation with reduced particle build-up at high flow rates, such as greater than 1000 sq. ft. / sec, allowing their use in high flow applications without the drawbacks of other filters. These high flow rates and high flow velocities are associated with high flow drains, such as washing machine drains. Thus, the filter devices, systems, and methods described herein fulfill an unmet need in the art.

[0190]

[0214] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method 300 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 300 may include using the system 200 in conjunction with a washing machine 310. As shown in FIG. 11, water containing suspended particles exits the washing machine 310 at step 312 and enters the system 200 at step 314. The filtered water exits the system 200 indicated by arrow 316 and proceeds to a clean water discharge at step 318. Particles, such as microplastic particles, are filtered from the water and removed from the system 200 indicated by arrow 320 as collected microplastics at step 322. At step 324, the particles may be transported and disposed of at step 326.

[0191]

[0215] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary diagram of one embodiment of an operational configuration of the system 200 and a method 300 for using the system 200 external to the washing machine.

[0192]

[0216] 13 illustrates an example flow chart of a method 400 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 400 may be similar to method 300, except that system 200 is disposed inside a washing machine. The flow of FIG. 13 may be similar to the flow of FIG. 11, except that system 200 is disposed inside a washing machine housing, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0193]

[0217] In some embodiments, the particle collection member may be configured to be removed from the enclosure such that the fluid remains within the enclosure. Allowing the fluid to remain within the enclosure while the particle collection member is removed may encourage an operator to frequently check and clean the particle collection member. For example, an operator may remove the particle collection member and discard the trapped particles and residue without worrying about spilling fluid. In some embodiments, the system components may be oriented to allow fluid to be drained from the particle collection member before or during removal. However, during operation, the system may keep the tapered spiral coil of the filter fully submerged in the fluid so that vortex flows are effectively created. A drainage mechanism may be provided to remove fluid from the enclosure in which the particle collection member resides. In some embodiments, the particle collection member may be positioned in an upward position relative to gravity. In some embodiments, the direction of removal of the particle collection member may be opposite to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the particle collection member may not be removable, but may instead have a slide-out or hinged portion to access the collection area.

[0194]

[0218] In some embodiments, a scraping mechanism configured to clean the tapered spiral coil or the filter media may be provided. The tapered spiral coil may be configured to self-clean, but the scraping mechanism may further clean the tapered spiral coil and the filter media. The scraping mechanism may remove certain particles or other foreign matter that may be outside of the effective target filtration range. The scraping mechanism may be configured to operate periodically or based on feedback from a sensor.

[0195]

[0219] The scraping mechanism may be internal to the tapered spiral coil. The scraping mechanism may be powered by the fluid flow through the filter. The scraping mechanism may include fins that self-rotate using the momentum of the fluid flowing through the filter. The scraping mechanism may be operated by an external power source (e.g., by hand) or autonomously, depending on the application, size, or other parameters of the filter. The scraping mechanism may be integral with the housing. The scraping mechanism may follow the path of the ribs and can be used to clean the ribs and the filter media. The scraping mechanism may fit between the turns of the tapered spiral coil. The scraping mechanism may be configured to operate based on feedback received from the filter. The scraping mechanism may operate on a schedule to clean the tapered spiral coil and the filter media after, for example, 5 loads, 10 loads, or 15 loads, or any number of loads of laundry. The scraping mechanism may operate based on measured parameters of the fluid flow through the filter, such as pressure drop and system maintenance, or any feedback received via sensors. The measured pressure drop can indicate particulate buildup and the need to clean the filter to improve filtration performance.

[0196]

[0220] In some embodiments, a tapered helical coil may be provided having parameters such as: The rib width 127 may be configured to be in a range of about 0.025 inches to about 120 inches. The rib height 128 may be configured to be in a range of about 0.025 inches to about 24 inches. The helix height 130 may be configured to be in a range of about 0.025 inches to about 500 inches. The helix outer diameter may be configured to be a value that varies between about 0.025 inches to about 200 inches. The helix pitch 134 may be configured to be about 0.025 inches to about 120 inches. In some embodiments, the helix parameters may be on the micron scale, for example in a range of about 1 micron to about 50,000 microns.

[0197]

[0221] In some embodiments, the rib angle θ may be measured as the angle between the axis 120 of the tapered spiral coil 112 in the direction of the second opening 124 and the surface of the rib 118, as shown in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the rib angle θ may be an angle ranging from 10 degrees to 170 degrees and may be used for different fluid filtration applications. In some embodiments, the rib angle θ may be in the range of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 90 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 105 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees, about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, or about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees. As shown in FIG. 5A, the rib angle θ may be about 90 degrees in some embodiments.

[0198]

[0222] In some embodiments, fins, blades, or vanes can be applied along the outside of the housing in a configuration that uses the momentum of the filtered or unfiltered water to rotate the filter in a direction opposite to the direction of taper of the tapered spiral coil 112. For example, if the spiral sweep is clockwise from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124, the fins, blades, or vanes can rotate the filter counterclockwise. In some embodiments, the spinning of the filter can allow filtered particles to move faster toward the second opening 124 by creating a screw-like effect. In various embodiments, parameters such as the filter rotation speed, fin angle, and all spiral variables can be adjusted depending on the application. Such an embodiment can provide advantages in certain applications such as those described above where both the inlet and outlet are near the first opening 122 such that the flow of filtered fluid outside the filtration system 100 is opposite the inlet flow direction 126. The use of fins, vanes, or blades to generate rotation may also be beneficial in other applications, such as solid waste filtration, "drag" operations, such as pulling the filtration system 100 through a body of fluid, such as water.

[0199]

[0223] The parameters of the tapered spiral coil can vary depending on the application. For example, the tapered spiral coil may be composed of sections with multiple or varying pitches that increase or decrease step widths along the coil.

[0200]

[0224] Experimental Results Microplastics are believed to cause a myriad of diseases, infections and adverse bodily reactions. The largest percentage of these microplastics come directly from the outlet of domestic washing machines. Countries around the world are acknowledging the problem of microplastics. The first experimental method aims to evaluate whether the filters meet the most restrictive existing or proposed legislation (e.g., the “Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill” by the UK House of Commons) and is adapted from the method described in Imogen Napper et al., The efficiency of devices intended to reduce microfibre release during clothes washing, Science of the Total Environment 738 (2020) (available at https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.scitotenv.2020.140412) ("Napper"), which applied similar tests and found that the maximum microplastic reduction of conventional filters was about 78% by mass, insufficient to meet industry targets. Therefore, improved filter devices are required to meet the complex needs of high filtration efficiency, high flow rates, high flow velocities, resistance to particle build-up, and ease of cleaning.

[0201]

[0225] Quantitative methods were used to evaluate the performance of the exemplary filters. In some embodiments, the test methods are tailored to evaluate the efficiency of microplastic filters for use in washing machines. Such methods are also representative of other filtration conditions.

[0202]

[0226] Example 1: Fabric Method The first experimental test method was used to evaluate the efficiency of microplastic filters for washing machines. The first method can be applied to filters that are inside or outside the washing machine. The specifications of the first experimental method may include:

[0203]

[0227] The first experimental method describes a procedure to determine the efficiency of a filter by mass when applied to washing machine wastewater. This method may be applied to all variations of the wash cycle. Post-filtration may be specified based on the desired application, which may be dictated by laws, regulations, or other rules that specify a precision level, for example, post-filtration to 10 μm and other parameters.

[0204]

[0228] In the first experimental test method, a standard washing machine pumps wastewater through the filtration device being tested. The filtration device outputs filtered wastewater to a wee station that pumps the filtered effluent through a 10 μm filter that is used to determine the amount of microplastics removed from the wastewater. The results of the first experimental test method may include a measure of the efficiency of the microplastic filtration applied to the washing machine. The first experimental test method uses mass to represent the amount of particulates captured by the filter device. A 10 μm post filter is used, although other specifications may be used based on the desired accuracy.

[0205]

[0229] A first test apparatus 800 may be provided, as shown in Figure 18. The test apparatus may be constructed from individual components and assembled in the orientation shown. The components may include:

[0206]

[0230] Washer 802 - A standard domestic washing machine, either top-load or front-load, can be used. To compare one filter to another, the same washing machine can be used. In the first exemplary method, a LG model ACQ89947217 top-loading washing machine was used. The LG model ACQ89947217 washing machine has a drain flow rate of 15 gallons per minute (approximately 947 cm). 3 / sec) and the drainage velocity was approximately 140 cm / sec.

[0207]

[0231] Pressure transducer (not shown) - required accuracy of 0 to 200 kPa.

[0208]

[0232] Test Device 804 - a filter to be evaluated during testing, described below.

[0209]

[0233] Way Station 806 - Collects the emissions from the test device 804. A 20 gallon tank is used with a pipe connection manufactured on the underside with 3 / 4 inch threads.

[0210]

[0234] Pump (not shown) - A centrifugal pump to facilitate passing the effluent from the way station 806 through a 10 μm filter 808 specified with a maximum flow rate of 18.95 LPM.

[0211]

[0235] 10 μm filter 808 - a post-filter to capture any particles that pass through the test device 804 and can be used to calculate the efficiency of the test device 804. A reverse osmosis membrane filter was used as the 10 μm post-filter.

[0212]

[0236] Outlet 810 - discharge from 10 μm filter 808.

[0213]

[0237] Scale (not shown) - The method uses a weight scale with an accuracy of up to 0.0001 g.

[0214]

[0238] To prepare the test apparatus, bleach the waystation to clean any particulates or residue from previous tests. Bleach the 10 μm post-filter housing to clean any particulates or residue from previous tests. Each sensor is calibrated every 3-5 trials.

[0215]

[0239] The first experimental test method was carried out using the following steps: The evaluated filters and the 10 μm filter were placed in a dehydrator at 40° C. until a constant weight was measured. "Constant weight" in this method was indicated by three weight measurements taken with one hour between each measurement, resulting in three measurements with a deviation of ±0.002 g or less. The humidity of the dehydrator was recorded at each measurement. The initial weight of each evaluated filter and the 10 μm filter was taken as the average of the three final weight values ​​for each filter.

[0216]

[0240] 18, the filter under evaluation 804 was connected to the drain line of a washing machine 802, with the drain line draining into the inlet side of the filter under evaluation. The drain line of the filter under evaluation was directed to a way station 806, where a centrifugal pump (not shown) pumps filtered water through a 10 μm filter 808.

[0217]

[0241] Eight synthetic towels (weight: 5 kg) were placed in the washing machine drum. The normal wash cycle was selected and recorded. The wash cycle was started and the wastewater from the washing machine was passed through the filter to be evaluated and into the wee station. The discharge flow rate from the washing machine was 15 gallons per minute (approximately 947 cm3). 3 The flow rate was 1.2 s (1 / s) with an outlet flow velocity of approximately 140 cm / s, which was passed through the inlet side of the filter being evaluated. From the waystation, the water flows through a centrifugal pump and a 10 μm post-filter.

[0218]

[0242] After the washing machine run, the filters to be evaluated were removed and placed in a spin dryer at 40° C. The 10 μm post-filter was removed and placed in a spin dryer at 40° C. The filters were left in the spin dryer until a constant weight was determined for each filter. The final weight of each filter was the average of the last three weight values ​​when the constant weight was determined for each filter.

[0219]

[0243] The percent efficiency of filtration of the filter to be evaluated was calculated by:

number

[0220]

[0244] Using the filtration apparatus as shown in Figures 16A-16B, the filter evaluated ("Experimental Filter 1") included a tapered spiral coil with one rib and an outer diameter of 2.5 inches on the inlet (first opening) side, an inner diameter such that the rib includes substantially the radius of the spiral coil on the outlet (second opening) side of the tapered spiral coil (i.e., the rib includes the entire radius of the coil at the second opening as shown in Figure 16B, where the particle flow path of the tapered spiral coil feeds into a collection unit), a helix angle of 11.5 degrees, a pitch of 0.75 inches, a rib width of 0.375 inches, a rib thickness of 0.1875 inches, a rib angle of 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular to the inlet flow direction), 4.5 turns of the tapered spiral coil from the first opening (inlet side) to the second opening (outlet side), and a rake reduction ratio β / α of 3.68. The filter media mesh size of experimental filter 1 was stainless steel 30 μm mesh. The outlet (second opening) side of the tapered spiral coil contained a cylindrical collection unit surrounded by the same mesh as the coil. The fabric tested was 5 kg of cotton towels containing synthetic fibers and normal soil. The wash cycle was deep fill, high spin with hot water. The resulting output efficiency, averaged over three measurements, was 90.16% microplastic removal by the evaluated filter, ranging from +3% to -1% (i.e., efficiency ranged from 89.16% to 93.16%).

[0221]

[0245] Thus, Experimental Filter 1 of Example 1 has a measured microplastic filtration efficiency that is significantly better than the 78% microplastic filtration efficiency of the top-rated microplastic filter described in the Napper paper using the comparative method. Thus, Experimental Filter 1 of Example 1 has a measured microplastic filtration efficiency that is 10% to 15% higher than the most efficient conventional microplastic filter known.

[0222]

[0246] Thus, unlike conventional filters, the filters described herein have significantly improved filtration efficiency and performance, including filtration of over 90% of microplastics by mass when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 1, and capable of meeting the stringent requirements of the Microplastics Act. Notably, this filtration rate was achieved using a 30 μm mesh filter media, which is substantially larger than the 10 μm post-filter size. Thus, the results demonstrate the ability of experimental filter 1 to filter smaller particle sizes, such as microplastics, at larger filter media pore sizes.

[0223]

[0247] The embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein provide improved filtration of particles from fluids. For example, the filters and filter systems described herein are effective in filtering more than 90% of the filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) by mass from washer wastewater when measured using the method of Example 1. In particular, the filters and filter systems described herein are effective in filtering more than 90% of the filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) by mass when post-filtered to 10 microns when measured using the method of Example 1. Some embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein are effective in filtering more than 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, or 98% or 99% of the filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) by mass when post-filtered to 10 microns when measured using the method of Example 1. Thus, the filters and filter systems described herein are also effective at filtering greater than 60%, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 87%, greater than 88%, and greater than 89% of the mass of filtered microparticles (e.g., microplastics) from washer wastewater, including microplastics, when post-filtered to 10 microns using the method of this Example 1.

[0224]

[0248] Example 2: Flocculation method The second experimental test method was used to evaluate the performance of microplastic filters for filtration systems such as washing machines or other wastewater systems that use flock fibers. Specifications for the second experimental method may include:

[0225]

[0249] The second experimental method describes a procedure to determine the performance of a filter by mass when using commercially available flock fibers. Postfiltration may be specified based on the desired application, which may be dictated by laws, regulations, or other rules that specify a precision level, for example, postfiltration to 10 μm and other parameters.

[0226]

[0250] In the second experimental test method shown in FIG. 19, a pump is used to move water containing microplastic nylon flock fibers from a first storage tank through a filtration device under test. The filtration device outputs the filtered water to a second storage tank where the water is pumped through a 10 μm filter that is used to determine the amount of fibers. The results of the second experimental test method may include a measure of the efficiency of microplastic filtration of a washing machine, etc. The second experimental test method uses mass to represent the amount of particulates captured by the filtration device. A 10 μm post filter is used, but other specifications may be used based on the desired accuracy.

[0227]

[0251] A second test apparatus 900 may be provided, as shown in Figure 19. The test apparatus may be constructed from individual components and assembled in the orientation shown. The components may include:

[0228]

[0252] Faucet 902 is a standard faucet.

[0229]

[0253] The 1 μm filter 906 is a polypropylene meltblown filter manufactured by Aquaboon, part number B01M1LB29B, and filters water from the tap 902 into the tank 908 .

[0230]

[0254] The test devices / filters evaluated 904 included the following equipment: · "Experimental Filter 2" - The filter evaluated during testing was similar to that shown in Figures 16A and 16C and included one rib on the inlet (first opening) side and a tapered spiral coil with an outer diameter of 2.5 inches. The ribs had a rib width of 0.60 inches, a rib thickness of 0.1875 inches, a rib angle of 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular to the inlet flow direction), a pitch of 0.75 inches, a recker reduction ratio β / α of 3.69, and 4.5 turns of the tapered spiral coil from the inlet side to the outlet side. The inner diameter of the rib on the outlet side (second opening) included the substantial radius of the tapered spiral coil (i.e., the rib included the full radius of the coil at the second opening, as shown in Figure 16B, where the particle flow path of the tapered spiral coil feeds into the collection unit). The helix angle of the tapered spiral coil was 11.5 degrees. The filter media mesh of filter 905 was 20 μm porometric GKD mesh. The exit side (second opening) of the tapered spiral coil contained a cylindrical collection unit surrounded by the same mesh as the coil. The collection unit was cylindrical in shape, 2.0 inches in diameter and 2.0 inches tall, with an inlet diameter of approximately 1.23 inches between the tapered spiral coil and one face of the collection unit. The circumference of the collection unit and the face opposite the inlet from the tapered spiral coil to the collection unit were surrounded by the same 20 μm porometric GKD mesh as the outer periphery of the tapered spiral coil. "Dead-end filter" - a conventional dead-end filter shown in Figure 23A with a 20 μm porometric GKD mesh (not shown) positioned perpendicular to the flow direction. "Cross-flow filter" - a conical cross-flow filter as shown in FIG. 23B with the same first opening diameter as experimental filter 2 and a cone-shaped 20 μm porometric GKD mesh (not shown) surrounding the tapered section of the cone. "Vortex Cross-flow Filter" - a cone-shaped vortex cross-flow filter as shown in Figure 23C with three decreasing concentric rings on the inside of the cone, the same first opening diameter as experimental filter 2, and a 20 μm porometric GKD mesh (not shown) surrounding the tapered portion of the cone. The vortex cross-flow filter has an aspect ratio of rib width to rib-to-rib height of 3.69.

[0231]

[0255] Flock fiber 905 is a commercially available black nylon flock fiber manufactured by Donjer, part number 716-Black.

[0232]

[0256] Tanks 908 and 912 are 20 gallon tanks manufactured by Aqueon, part number 170925.

[0233]

[0257] 10 μm filter 916 - a post-filter to capture particles that pass through the test device 904, is a polypropylene melt-blown filter manufactured by Membrane Solutions, part number MPP-F10-10. The 10 μm filter 916 is housed in a pressure relief filter housing manufactured by Pentair Industries, part number B003VT7ERY.

[0234]

[0258] Pumps 910 and 914 are commercially available washing machine drain pumps manufactured by Whirlpool Corp., part number BPX401-27, operating at 80 watts and 1.5 amps.

[0235]

[0259] Drain 918 is a wastewater drain.

[0236]

[0260] The tubing between the components is 1.0 inch inside diameter clear vinyl tubing.

[0237]

[0261] Scale (not shown) - A weight scale is used with an accuracy of up to 0.0001 g.

[0238]

[0262] The components are assembled as shown in FIG.

[0239]

[0263] To prepare the test equipment, tanks 908 and 912 are rinsed and cleaned of any particulates or residue from previous tests. The housing of the 10 μm post-filter 916 is rinsed and cleaned of any particulates or residue from previous tests. Each sensor is calibrated every 3-5 trials.

[0240]

[0264] The second experimental test method was carried out using the following steps: The filter to be evaluated 904 and the 10 μm filter 916 were placed in a dehydrator at 40° C. until a constant weight was reached. "Constant weight" in this method was indicated by three weight measurements taken with one hour between each measurement, resulting in three measurements with a deviation of ±0.02 g or less. The humidity of the dehydrator was recorded at each measurement. The initial weights of the filter to be evaluated 904, the 1 μm filter 906, and the 10 μm filter 916 were taken as the weights of each filter after the three constant weight measurements.

[0241]

[0265] Two pieces of 12 wide aluminum foil were weighed and the weights were recorded. A piece of 10 micron filter paper was weighed and the weights were recorded. 0.5±0.02 g of Flock Fiber 905 was weighed and the weights were recorded.

[0242]

[0266] The tank 908 was filled with 3.5 gallons of water from the tap 902 that was filtered through a 1 μm filter 906. Pre-weighed 0.5 g of flock fiber 905 was added to the water in the tank 908.

[0243]

[0267] The fiber-water mixture was pumped using pump 901 from tank 908 through the filter under evaluation 904 to tank 912. The measured flow rate was 10.0 gal / min at a flow velocity of approximately 124 cm / sec.

[0244]

[0268] The process of weighing out 0.5±0.02 g of flock fiber 905, adding the flock fiber to 3.5 gallons of water in tank 908, and pumping the fiber-water mixture through the filter under test 905 into tank 912 nine more times (for a total of ten filtration process trials).

[0245]

[0269] The tank 908 was then rinsed with water from the tap 902 that was filtered through a 1 μm filter 906 and pumped through the filter 904 to be evaluated to ensure that all the floc fibers were filtered through the filter 904 to be evaluated and into the tank 912. This rinse was performed three times.

[0246]

[0270] The water from the tank 912 was then pumped through a pump 914 through a 10 μm filter 916 to a drain 918. The tank 912 was rinsed and the pump 914 was used to pump the water through the 10 μm filter 916 three times to ensure that all of the flock fibers 905 that had passed through the device 904 under evaluation had passed through the apparatus.

[0247]

[0271] The 10 micron filter containing the flock fibers 905 that had passed through the filter to be evaluated 904 was placed on a sheet of aluminum foil. The filter housing was then rinsed with 10 micron filter paper to remove any remaining flock fibers from the housing, and the filter paper was placed on the aluminum foil.

[0248]

[0272] The 10 micron filters on aluminum foil and filter paper were then dried at 95° F. until a constant weight was measured.

[0249]

[0273] The percent efficiency of microplastic filtration by the evaluated filter 904 was then calculated using the following formula:

number

[0250]

[0274] The amount of microplastics collected by the collection unit versus the amount of microplastics retained in the tapered spiral coil of the filter 904 being evaluated was also determined. The amount of microplastics collected in the collection unit of the filter 904 being evaluated was determined by removing the filter 904 being evaluated from its housing and separating the collection unit from the tapered spiral coil of the filter 904 being evaluated. The collection unit and tapered spiral coil were dried at 90 degrees Fahrenheit until a constant weight was measured and the weight recorded. The percent of microplastics collected in the collection unit was calculated by the following formula:

number

[0251]

[0275] The flock fiber filtration efficiency according to Example 2 is shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0252]

[0276] The percentage of fibers collected by experimental filter 2 in the collection unit is shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0253]

[0277] As shown in Table 1, experimental filter 2 collects over 99% of the flock fibers that simulate microplastics in the wastewater system. Experimental filter 2 also showed the lowest standard deviation of the four filters tested. While the other filters tested also showed greater than 99% efficiency of flock fibers, as shown by Example 2, the experimental filter design also has the ability to achieve high efficiency with larger filter mesh pore sizes. Although 99% filtration efficiency may be expected from the mesh pore sizes of the dead-end, cross-flow, and vortex cross-flow filters tested, smaller pore sizes restrict the flow through the filter and simply having a smaller pore size does not allow such filters to be used in applications such as washing machines or other high flow or high flow rate applications. Thus, mesh pore size is not indicative of the filter's ability to provide acceptable filtration operation. For example, as described in Example 3, the dead-end filter was unable to achieve functional operation because the flow immediately decreased to 0 cm / s and gal / min, causing both flow and pressure impairments. Similarly, despite having similar sized cones, and the same cone size as experimental filter 2, the cross-flow and vortex cross-flow filters failed after significantly fewer attempts, as described in Example 3.

[0254]

[0278] Experimental filter 2 shows exemplary performance compared to the other filters, but has the added advantage that the design of the filter ensures that at least 75% of the filtered microplastics are transported to the collection unit, and on average, over 80% of the filtered microplastics are transported to the collection unit. Facilitating the transport of filtered microplastics / particles to the collection unit has several advantages not previously known in the art. First, by collecting the filtered particles in the collection unit, it becomes easier to clean the device, especially with the complexities required to clean the tapered spiral coil. Cleaning of the collection unit is further aided by designs such as those shown in Figures 22A-22D that allow easy access to the collection unit, thereby simplifying the process of maintenance and cleaning. Second, facilitating the transport of filtered microplastics / particles to the collection unit prevents accumulation of filtered particles in the tapered spiral coil, thereby extending the time between cleansing, as the filter media of the tapered spiral coil remains relatively clean and can therefore continue to filter liquids.

[0255]

[0279] Further advantages of experimental filter 2 are explained below with respect to Example 3.

[0256]

[0280] The embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein provide improved filtration of particles from fluids. For example, the filters and filter systems described herein are effective in filtering more than 90% of the filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) by mass from washer wastewater when measured using the method of Example 2. In particular, the filters and filter systems described herein are effective in filtering more than 90% of the filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) by mass when post-filtered to 10 microns when measured using the method of Example 2. Some embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein are effective in filtering more than 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) by mass when post-filtered to 10 microns when measured using the method of Example 2. Thus, the filters and filter systems described herein are also effective at filtering greater than 60%, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 87%, greater than 88%, and greater than 89% by mass of filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) from washer wastewater, including microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 2.

[0257]

[0281] Similarly, embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein provide improved filtration of particulates from a fluid by facilitating the transfer of filtered particles from the tapered spiral coil to a collection unit. For example, some embodiments of the filters and filter systems described herein are effective in facilitating the transfer of more than 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% by mass of filtered particulates (e.g., microplastics) from the tapered spiral coil to a collection unit when post-filtered to 10 microns, as measured using the method of Example 2.

[0258]

[0282] Example 3: Simulated Duty Cycle Tolerance Method A third experimental test method was used to evaluate the number of simulated filtration cycles, such as washing machine duty cycles, that a given microplastic filter can withstand before creating significant backpressure or pressure buildup behind the filter such that the pressure would affect filter, washer, or pump performance. Microplastics in the washer and filtration cycles are measured using flock fibers. Specifications for the third experimental method may include:

[0259]

[0283] The third experimental method describes a procedure for determining, by count, the resistance of a filter to repeated filtration cycles, such as filtering wastewater from a washing machine's load cycle, when using commercially available flock fibers.

[0260]

[0284] In the third experimental test method shown in FIG. 20, a pump is used to force filtered water containing microplastic flock fibers from a storage tank to a filtration device being tested. A pressure sensor measures the pressure rise behind the filtration device being tested, and a flow sensor measures the flow rate at the outlet (e.g., outlet 218) of the filter being tested. The results of the third experimental test method can correspond to a representative measure of the number of washer loads that a particular filter can withstand before the filtered material begins to affect the performance of the filter, washer, and pump, causing a pressure buildup behind the filter being tested or reducing the flow throughput.

[0261]

[0285] A third test apparatus 1000 may be provided, as shown in Figure 20. The test apparatus may be constructed from individual components and assembled in the orientation shown. The components may include:

[0262]

[0286] The faucet 1002, 1 μm filter 1006, filter under test (test device) 1004, flock fiber 1005, pump 1010, and drain 1018 are as described in Example 2 for faucet 902, 1 μm filter 906, filter under test (test device) 904, flock fiber 905, pump 910, and drain 918, respectively. The tubing between the connections is 1.0 inch inner diameter vinyl tubing as described in Example 2.

[0263]

[0287] Fabric softener 1007 is a commercial Ultra GAIN® fabric softener with Aroma Boost and Blissful Breeze scents.

[0264]

[0288] Current sensor 1012 is a PoniiePN portable micro current sensor for monitoring power consumption.

[0265]

[0289] Pressure sensor 1014 is a digital pressure gauge sensor manufactured by SSI Technologies, part number MG1-GA-9V-R.

[0266]

[0290] The flow sensor 1016 is a turbine flow meter manufactured by Bonvoisin, part number Roy-7.

[0267]

[0291] To simulate a wash cycle, 0.405±0.02 g of flock fiber 1005 was first weighed and the weight was recorded. Next, 35±0.50 g of fabric softener 1007 was weighed and the weight was recorded. Fabric softener 1007 was added to better simulate the effect of real laundry on the behavior of the tested filter. The tank 1008 was then filled with 3.5 gallons of water from the tap 1002 and filtered through a 1 μm filter 1006. The measured weights of flock fiber 1005 and fabric softener 1007 were added to the tank 1008. An additional 3.5 gallons of water from the tap 1002 filtered through the 1 μm filter 1006 was added to the tank 1008, bringing the total water volume in the tank 1008 to 7.0 gallons, which is a typical amount of water in a Whirlpool® washing machine load cycle. The solution was thoroughly mixed by stirring. The water-floc softener solution was pumped through pump 1010 and through the filter under test 1004 via pressure sensor 1014. The filtered liquid exited the filter under test 1004 through flow sensor 1016 and into drain 1018. The flow rate (gal / min or gpm) at flow sensor 1016, the pressure rise (psi) behind the filter being tested at pressure sensor 1014, and the current at pump 1010 (amperes measured by current sensor 1012) were measured and recorded at 15 second intervals.

[0268]

[0292] Once all of the water-floc softener solution had been removed by the pump 1010, the simulated wash duty cycle was completed. The simulated wash duty cycle was repeated until the pressure sensor 1014 measured a pressure rise behind the filter being tested of 3.4 psi or greater. 3.4 psi was selected as the pressure rise at which the Whirlpool® washer signals a flow obstruction. The result was recorded and considered the duty cycle tolerance. After a pressure value of 3.4 psi was determined, additional duty cycles were performed until the flow rate through the flow sensor 1016 was 0.0 cm / s, at which point a zero flow error or flow obstruction was determined.

[0269]

[0293] Table 3 below shows the loading numbers for the dead-end filter, cross-flow filter, vortex cross-flow filter, and the experimental filter for both a 3.4 psi pressure rise behind the filter under test and a pressure rise to 0.0 gal / min flow rate through the filter. [Table 3]

[0270]

[0294] From the results of Example 2, it is clear that Experimental Filter 2 has significantly improved performance over any of the other dead-end, cross-flow, and vortex cross-flow filters tested. Experimental Filter 2 showed a 300% and 333% increase in the number of loads to pressure failure and flow failure, respectively, over both the cross-flow and vortex cross-flow filters. Compared to the dead-end filters, which failed before completing even one load cycle, Experimental Filter 2 shows a dramatic improvement in both the number of loads to pressure failure and flow failure. Even compared to the cross-flow and vortex cross-flow filters, Experimental Filter 2 completed 8 cycles to pressure failure and 13 cycles to flow failure, whereas the cross-flow and vortex cross-flow filters only completed 2 cycles to pressure failure and 3 cycles to flow failure, respectively.

[0271]

[0295] Figures 22A-G show the duty cycle durability test, flow rate, flow velocity, and pressure results for the test method described in this Example 3. In Figures 22A-G, the "Dead End" result refers to the dead end filter under test, the "Cross Flow" result refers to the cross flow filter under test, the "Vortex Cross Flow" result refers to the "Vortex Cross Flow Filter" under test, and the "CLEANR" result refers to the experimental filter 2 under test.

[0272]

[0296] FIG. 22A shows the flow rate measured by the flow sensor 1016 over time for each of the simulated wash duty cycles. FIG. 22B shows the flow rate data versus the number of simulated duty cycles until flow failure (0.0 gal / min flow rate) was measured. The values ​​plotted in FIG. 22B are determined at the end of each wash duty cycle. FIG. 22C shows the flow rate over time for each wash duty cycle for the experimental filter 2 for each load.

[0273]

[0297] The flow rate data in Figure 22A shows that experimental filter 2 provides a longer, more continuous flow rate, exhibiting less clogging and longer life compared to the dead-end, cross-flow, and vortex cross-flow filters tested. Figures 22A and 22C, showing a larger granularity of flow rate, indicate that experimental filter 2 has improved flow rates over the other filters tested. While all filters show roughly decreasing flow rates over time at the initial load counts from loads 7 to 13, experimental filter 2 shows increasing flow rates over time at each of these loads, suggesting that the design of experimental filter 2 improves the overall flow rate, even when filtered particles accumulate in the tapered spiral coil and collection unit. The vortex currents created with the tapered spiral coil design improve filtration and flow rate. Notably, the vortex currents created by the experimental filter 2 configuration can resuspend collected particles onto the tapered spiral coil, thereby improving flow and opening up the mesh to improve filter efficiency and life. This improved flow rate may also be due to the dual filter nature of experimental filter 2, where filtered liquid can exit the filter through the tapered spiral coil or collection unit, as both contain filter media.

[0274]

[0298] FIG. 22D shows the flow rate measured by flow sensor 1016, which is the flow rate of the filtered liquid through each filter tested. FIG. 22D shows that the flow rate through experimental filter 2 remains significantly higher over time compared to all other filters tested. In particular, as shown in FIG. 22D, the flow rate through experimental filter 2 does not drop below 50 cm / sec until after the fifth load, while each of the other filters tested dropped to a flow rate below 50 cm / sec after one or zero loads. The flow rate data confirms that experimental filter 2 shows improved performance at high flow rates, maintaining the high flow rates required for washing machine applications much longer than the other filters tested. In particular, experimental filter 2 maintained a flow rate of 50 cm / s or higher for more than five times longer (up to a load of 400% or more) than any of the other filters tested. Experimental filter 2 was also able to operate at more than four times the load (13 loads vs. 3 loads, or a 333% increase in the number of loads) than both the cross-flow and vortex cross-flow filters tested before flow obstruction was measured. The other filters tested were not able to function effectively at the high flow rates. Thus, the other filters tested could not be used repeatedly to filter particles such as microplastics in high flow applications.

[0275]

[0299] Figure 22E shows the pressure rise behind the tested filter measured by pressure sensor 1014 over time to determine pressure failure, and Figure 22F shows the same pressure rise behind the tested filter measured by pressure sensor 1014 for each load until flow failure was determined. The values ​​shown in Figure 22F are the pressure values ​​at the end of the load cycle. Figure 22G shows the pressure rise behind experimental filter 2 measured by pressure sensor 1014 over time for each load.

[0276]

[0300] As shown in Figures 22E-22G, experimental filter 2 exhibits significantly less pressure rise over time and repeated use compared to the other filters tested. When measured against the number of loads, experimental filter 2 exhibited a much shallower slope for the pressure rise. Similar to the flow rate, all filters exhibit an increasing pressure rise for the first few loads, but after load 5, experimental filter 2 exhibits a decreasing pressure rise over time for each of loads 6 through 13. This decreasing pressure appears to correspond to the increase in flow rate seen in Figures 22A and 22C, confirming that experimental filter 2 provides improved performance with better flow with less turbulence. Similarly, filter and machine life may be extended by this behavior without causing pressure failures, as pressure decreases with time during each load after several loads. The design of experimental filter 2 promotes the formation of vortex flows to keep filtered particles in suspension and promote the progression of filtered particles to the second opening, where they are collected by the collection unit. This design helps the tapered spiral coil filter media remain free of particle accumulation, thereby extending the life of the filter before flow rate and flow velocity decrease. The long service life makes the experimental filter 2, and other embodiment designs described herein, an improvement over other filters such as dead-end, cross-flow, conical cross-flow, and vortex cross-flow filters.

[0277]

[0301] Example 4: Efficiency Testing of Polyester Cotton and Flock A fourth experimental test method was used to evaluate filter efficiency. This example measured the efficiency of an embodiment of a filter of the present invention having the design of Experimental Filter 2, except using a 15 μm (stainless steel GKD mesh), by determining the change in microplastic distribution between pre- and post-filtration washing machine wastewater.

[0278]

[0302] The materials tested according to this example were polyester-cotton and flock fiber (consistent with Example 2). When selecting samples of each of these materials, the weight of each sample tested was consistent, and each test was performed on two water samples to determine the change in microplastic distribution. The change in microplastic distribution was used to calculate the filtration efficiency of the filtration device being tested. The following steps are performed for each individual test:

[0279]

[0303] The following cleaning procedures were performed prior to testing. · Flush 1 micron prefiltered water through the entire system for 20 minutes and thoroughly clean the test equipment with lint-free wipes. Between tests, the system was flushed with 1 micron pre-filtered water and lint-free wipes run through the entire system for 5 minutes. After flushing the system, any remaining water was manually blown out of Tank 1 into Tank 2. The filter of the present invention under test was poured into Tank 2. The remaining water was manually sprayed out of Tank 2 into the sink.

[0280]

[0304] Washing Machine Test: The following washing procedure was then performed using a Whirlpool front load washing machine Model #WFW5605MW. The tested garments had been through 4 pre-wash cycles and had been put through 2 trial tests in the system to filter out microplastics for a total of 6 washes before receiving the filter of the present invention. · Before testing, a blank load (no clothes) is run through the washing machine, this means a complete wash cycle with nothing in the washing machine. The water entering the washing machine was maintained at approximately 30±2℃. · The garments were weighed to keep the weight at approximately 1.4 ± 0.1 kg for each test.

[0281]

[0305] After the desired clothing material for testing was inserted into the washing machine drum, the following load settings were selected on the Whirlpool washing machine: Wash cycle: "Normal" What to wash? Delicate items ·Low temperature (1 / 5) Spin (3 / 5) approx. 1000 RPM Soil (1 / 3) "Light"

[0282]

[0306] The washer effluent was drained into the first holding tank with the tank lid in place (both the first and second holding tanks included lids).

[0283]

[0307] Floc Test: For testing of the flock material, the following procedure was followed. · Tank 1 was filled with 3.5 gallons of prefiltered water (1μm). Approximately 0.5±0.002g of floc fiber was added to Tank 1. The floc dish was washed three times with prefiltered water to remove residual floc material. Fill Tank 1 until there is a total of 7 gallons of water in the tank and use the incoming transfer water to integrate the flocs into the water (no stir bar).

[0284]

[0308] The following sampling procedure, involving a "through filter" procedure to take a first sample followed by a second sample, was performed immediately after the aforementioned washing steps. sampling: · The stirring bar was washed with filtered water. Clean the outside of the sample bottle with a lint-free wipe. · The water in the tank was stirred with a stirring rod, ensuring that the labeled end did not enter the water. The sample bottle was completely submerged in the water sample while the water was being transferred. Once the bottle was completely filled, the sample bottle was removed. Through Filter: In this procedure, water in Tank 1 was pumped through the filter of the present invention under test into Tank 2. The remaining water was pushed from Tank 1 to Tank 2.

[0285]

[0309] Characterization and quantification of fibers in wastewater The detection of shed fibers in the effluent from the described washing machines was performed using dynamic image analysis techniques and is referred to as "Hohenstein dynamic image analysis data." The technique used to generate this data herein is described in the paper by J. Haap et al., Microplastic Fibers Released by Textile Laundry: A New Analytical Approach for the Determination of Fibers in Effluents, Water 2019, 11, 2088; doi:10.3390 / w11102088, which is incorporated herein by reference for its teachings related to this technique.

[0286]

[0310] Table 4 below shows the efficiency of one embodiment of a vortex crossflow filter as described herein, showing removal of nearly 91% polyester cotton particles, a reliable surrogate for microplastic filtration, as measured by weight. [Table 4]

[0287]

[0311] The results of Example 4 demonstrate that the experimental filter of the present invention is extremely efficient at removing small particles, such as polyester cotton particles, from fluids. Graphical representations of the results shown in Table 4 for polyester cotton particle removal efficiency are shown in Figures 24A-24D.

[0288]

[0312] Figures 24A and 24B show the results of a dynamic image analysis efficiency test of the filter of the present invention being tested in Example 4 by determining the microplastic distribution change (by number of polyester cotton particles) between the washing machine effluent before and after filtration, respectively. Figures 24C and 24D show the results of an efficiency test of the same filter of the present invention being tested in Example 4 by determining the microplastic distribution change (by weight of polyester cotton particles) between the washing machine effluent before and after filtration, respectively.

[0289]

[0313] Table 5 below shows the efficiency of the vortex cross-flow filters described herein, which show an average removal of greater than 99% of floc particles as measured by weight. [Table 5]

[0290]

[0314] It is further evident from the results of Example 4 that the experimental filter of the present invention is highly efficient at removing floc particles. Graphical representations of the results shown in Table 4 for the removal efficiency of polyester cotton particles are shown in Figures 25A-25D.

[0291]

[0315] Figures 25A and 25B show the results of efficiency testing of a filter of the present invention during testing of Example 4 by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by number of floc particulates) between pre- and post-filtration washer effluent, respectively. Figures 25C and 25D show the results of efficiency testing of the same filter of the present invention by determining the change in microplastic distribution (by weight of floc particulates) between pre- and post-filtration washer effluent, respectively.

[0292]

[0316] Consistent with the results of Experimental Filter 1 in Example 1, these data show that the measured microplastic filtration efficiency is significantly better than the 78% microplastic filtration efficiency of the top-rated microplastic filter described in the Napper paper. The experimental filter of Example 4 has a measured microplastic filtration efficiency that is at least 12% higher than the most efficient conventional known microplastic filter.

[0293]

[0317] Thus, unlike conventional filters, the filters described herein have significantly improved filtration efficiency and performance that can meet the stringent requirements of microplastic regulations, including filtration of greater than 90% of microplastics by mass.

[0294]

[0318] The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods may be beneficially utilized in filtration applications where the material being filtered results in a "cake" (e.g., accumulation of particles) on the filter media, which results in an increased pressure drop across the filter media. The filtration systems of some embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce pressure drop, allowing for reduced filter cleanup and increased filter flow rates with lower risk of issues such as flooding or equipment damage. Applications include microplastic filtering, whole house filters, greywater filters, boat filters, chemical process filtration, water filters, plastic resin filtration for recycling purposes, and the like.

[0295]

[0319] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "or" encompasses all possible combinations of elements, unless otherwise stated or infeasible. For example, if a component is stated to include X or Y, the component may include X, or Y, or X and Y, unless otherwise stated or infeasible. As a second example, if a component is stated to include X, Y, or Z, the component may include X, or Y, or Z, or X and Y, or X and Y and Z, unless otherwise stated or infeasible. Furthermore, the phrases "one of X and Y" or "one of X or Y" shall be interpreted in the broadest sense to include one of X, or one of Y, or one of X and one of Y, respectively.

[0296]

[0320] The block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer hardware / software products according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the schematic diagrams may represent a specific arithmetic or logical operation that may be implemented using hardware such as an electronic circuit or electronic control unit. The blocks may also represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. A controller may be programmed to execute such instructions. It should be understood that in some implementations, the functions shown in the blocks may occur in a different order than the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may be executed or implemented substantially simultaneously, or the two blocks may be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Also, some blocks may be omitted.

[0297]

[0321] It should also be understood that each block of the block diagram, and combinations of blocks, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. For example, although the examples are described in the context of microplastic filtration, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other forms of material transport.

Claims

1. 1. A filtration device comprising: a first opening and a second opening, the first opening having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening; a vortex filter for receiving fluid extending from the first opening toward the second opening, the vortex filter including a tapered spiral coil including at least one rib extending continuously from the first opening to the second opening; 1. A filtration device, wherein the vortex filter is configured to generate a vortex flow in the received fluid entering the vortex filter through the first opening, and configured for the fluid to exit a side of the vortex filter through a filter media surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the vortex filter between the first opening and the second opening, and wherein filtered material substantially exits the vortex filter at the second opening.

2. A filtration device as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one rib has a width that includes 30% to 60% of the radius of the tapered spiral coil at the first opening.

3. 3. The filtering device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one rib defines a flow path configured to direct filtered particles suspended in the vortex flow along the flow path to the second opening.

4. 4. The filtration device of claim 3, wherein the flow path is substantially continuous from the first opening to the second opening and is configured so as not to impede the flow of the filtered material along the flow path toward the second opening.

5. A filtration device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one rib spirals from the first opening to the second opening with a decreasing radius.

6. A filtration device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a collection unit disposed in the second opening, the collection unit configured to collect solids filtered from the fluid, the collection unit comprising a removable collection unit configured to be fastened to the filtration device via a fastening mechanism, and optionally, the collection unit being a second stage filtration device.

7. A filtration device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio B / a in the range of approximately 1.0 to 10.0, including the end point, and optionally, the vortex filter has a rake reduction ratio B / a in the range of approximately 3.0 to 6.0, including the end point.

8. A filtration device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vortex filter is configured to provide a cross-flow filtration area across the filter media.

9. A filtration device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fluid comprises water, washing machine discharge fluid or a biological fluid, and optionally the biological fluid is blood.

10. A filtration device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a housing, wherein the filter medium is incorporated into the housing or the housing is configured to accommodate the vortex filter, and the filter medium is fastened between the housing and the vortex filter.

11. A filtration device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filtration device further includes a gasket configured to seal the vortex filter against the filter medium, and / or the filtration device further includes a scraping mechanism configured to clean the vortex filter and the filter medium.

12. The enclosure including an inlet opening configured to direct the fluid to the first opening and an outlet opening configured to direct filtered fluid from the enclosure; 12. The filtering device of claim 1, further comprising: a particle collection member configured to collect particles filtered from the fluid, the particle collection member being removable from the enclosure.

13. The filtration device is configured to filter discharge fluid from a washing machine; Optionally, the filtration device is configured to filter microplastics from the discharge fluid; Further optionally, the filtration device is configured to filter at least 75% of the microplastics from the discharge fluid after the washing machine has completed 4 or more loads of laundry, or the filtration device is configured to filter at least 75% of the microplastics from the discharge fluid when filtered to 10 microns.

14. A method for filtering particles from a liquid, comprising: providing the liquid to a first opening of a filtering device including a vortex filter; generating vortex flows within the vortex filter via ribs having a decreasing internal cross section through which a fluid flows; providing a flow path along the rib for directing particles suspended in the vortex flow toward a second opening of the filtering device; filtering the fluid through a filter media adjacent to the flow path.

15. Supplying the fluid to the first opening at a flow rate greater than 50 cm / sec; and / or the solids comprise microplastics, and the filtering step filters out more than 80% of the mass of the microplastics when post-filtered to 10 microns; 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

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